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Exploring the Link Between Mothers' Dental Health and Their Children's Cavity Status
Heena Shaikh1, Shrikant Ashwinkumar Patel2, Sagar Ghetiya3
1Department of Hospital and Healthcare Management, Masters in Leadership: Healthcare Dept, USA.
Aim:
The study aims to assess the correlation between maternal and child oral health practices, particularly focusing on the dietary intake of sugars and acids and their caries status in a rural Gujarat population.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional study involving 68 children (aged 6-12 years) and their 52 mothers. Caries status was assessed using WHO criteria (2013) and DMFT/dmft indices. Correlations between maternal and child caries indices were analyzed using statistical methods.
Results:
Moderate correlations were observed between maternal and child caries indices, especially in the D-component and combined DMFT/dmft indices. Limited restorative dental care access was evident in children, reflected by a lower F-component.
Conclusion:
Maternal oral health behaviors and caries status significantly influence children's caries outcomes. Interventions focusing on family-based dietary education and improved pediatric dental care access are essential.
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