The relationship between parents' oral and dental health literacy and the oral and dental health of their primary school children

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the oral and dental health literacy (OHL) levels of parents of primary school located children at two different socioeconomic levels and the oral and dental health of their children. Method: This descriptive type of research was conducted in schools in two different socioeconomic levels in the city center of Antalya public (211 parents and children) and private school (179 parents and children). Data were collected from parents with a questionnaire form, comprehensive OHL measure, and from children with DMFT/dmft index and mouth assessment guide. The oral and dental health status of the children was evaluated in two different ways by the dentist and the nurse, and the screening results were compared. Results: The average OHL score of the parents is 14.88±3.91 and the average DMFT/dmft index score of the children is 4.33±3.19. 31.1% of the parents have insufficient OHL level. The average OHL score of parents in public school was lower than in private school (p<0.001), and the average DMFT/dmft index score of children in private school was lower than that in public school (p<0.001). As parents' OHL score increases, children's DMFT/dmft index score decreases (ρ=-0.201, p<0.001). A directly proportional and strong relationship was found between the average scores of the dentist and the nurse in the screening of children (ρ=0.92, p<0.001). Conclusion: It has been observed that as parents' OHL level increases, their children's oral and dental health conditions are better. Socioeconomic level is an important determinant of both the OHL level of the parents and the oral and dental health status of their children. The oral and dental health screening results applied to children by nurses and dentists are directly proportional and consistent. For children's oral and dental health, it is recommended that they be evaluated by school health nurses using a guide and that parents' OHL level is increased by planning trainings. Key words: parent, oral and dental health literacy, child, DMFT/dmft