Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Parental stress as a predictor of early childhood caries: a systematic review
F Chouchene1, F Masmoudi2, A Baaziz2
1Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, ABCDF Laboratory of Biological, Clinical and Dento-Facial Approach, University of Monastir, Rue Hedi Chekir., 5111, Mahdia, Tunisia. farah.pedo@gmail.com.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to answer the question: Are parental stress associated with early childhood caries (ECC)?
Methods:
Electronic databases including MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scopus and SciELO were searched. Cross-sectional and case-control studies that investigate the association between parental stress and ECC were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias of the included articles.
Results:
Out of 498 articles identified in initial research, 7 articles met the inclusion criteria; five were cross-sectional and two were control-case in design. A statistically significant correlation between ECC and total parental stress as well as a higher level of carious activity associated with total parental stress was reported in four studies. In two studies, no significant relationship between stress and ECC was found (P > 0.05) and in one study, parental stress was inversely associated with children's ECC status with better dental outcomes significantly associated with a higher level of parenting stress.
Conclusion:
Despite the fact that the heterogenicity of the following data precluded conclusions to be drawn, it was obvious that parenting stress or some of its domains may influence the development of carious lesions in young children.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

