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Factors Affecting Oral Hygiene Behavior in 9-12-Year-Old Children Based on Data from Fars Birth Cohort Study
Mohsen Sharif Zadeh Ardakani1, Sulmaz Ghahramani1, Seyed Taghi Heydari1
1Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
International Journal of School Health
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Children exhibit poor oral hygiene, with mothers showing better habits. Mothers' oral hygiene behaviors significantly influence children's practices, highlighting the importance of maternal role in pediatric oral health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Oral hygiene behavior is critical for children's overall health and well-being.
- Numerous factors can influence a child's adherence to proper oral hygiene practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing children's oral hygiene behaviors.
- To specifically examine the impact of mothers' oral hygiene behaviors on their children's practices.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study using data from the Fars Birth Cohort Study (n=1143 children aged 9-12).
- Assessed demographic, socio-economic, and oral hygiene behaviors (brushing, flossing, mouthwash) of children and mothers.
- Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with children's oral hygiene behavior.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of children (30.2%) did not brush teeth, 91.2% did not floss, and 94.8% did not use mouthwash.
- Mothers demonstrated significantly better oral hygiene scores (1.42±0.74) compared to children (0.83±0.67).
- Mothers' oral hygiene behavior (OR=2.18), insurance status (OR=1.47), and regular dental visits were associated with better child hygiene.
Conclusions:
- Children aged 9-12 exhibit suboptimal oral hygiene behaviors.
- Mothers' oral hygiene practices play a crucial role in shaping children's habits.
- Future research should explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices influencing oral hygiene.
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