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Parental Oral Health Attitudes and Knowledge and Their High Caries Risk Infants' Oral Health Conditions

B W Luo1, G H M Lee1, P Liu1

  • 1Faculty of Dentistry, The Prince Philip Dental Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

JDR Clinical and Translational Research
|July 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Parental oral health knowledge and attitudes in Hong Kong are linked to socioeconomic factors and influence infant oral health practices. Higher income and toothbrushing correlate with better oral hygiene, while milk bottle use increases caries risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Oral Health Research

Background:

  • Infant caries is a significant public health concern, particularly in high-risk populations.
  • Understanding the interplay between parental factors and infant oral health is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between parental oral health attitudes/knowledge and sociodemographic factors in Hong Kong infants.
  • To explore the link between parental caring behaviors, sociodemographic factors, and infant oral health conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial involving 1-year-old high-caries-risk infants in Hong Kong.
  • Data collected via structured questionnaires on sociodemographics, parental attitudes/knowledge, and infant oral practices.
  • Infant oral examinations assessed dental caries and oral hygiene status.

Main Results:

  • Infant caries experience was 1.04%, with unfavorable oral health behaviors observed.
  • Parents showed positive attitudes but inadequate knowledge regarding oral health.
  • Higher parental education, income, and prior oral health education were linked to better attitudes and knowledge.
  • Higher household income and toothbrushing with toothpaste were associated with lower plaque levels.
  • Sleeping with a milk bottle was significantly associated with increased caries risk.

Conclusions:

  • Parental oral health understanding and attitudes are influenced by sociodemographic background.
  • Positive parental attitudes and knowledge correlate with improved infant oral care behaviors.
  • Family socioeconomic status and parental practices are key determinants of infant oral health outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
behavioral sciencesdental cariesinfantoral healthpediatric dentistrytooth

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