Oral health status and sociofamiliar aspects among 12-year-old schoolchildren: A correlational study

Abstract

Aim: The relationship between children and parents significantly influences several aspects of child growth, including the oral health status. The research was carried out to analyze the oral health status and sociofamiliar characteristics among 12-year-old schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: The design of this study was descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional, with a quantitative approach; as well as the type of research was correlational. The population of this study involved 34,107 elementary school students, of which 380 12-year-old students were chosen through a random probabilistic sampling and a statistical formula. This research was conducted in Riobamba City, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. Observational and surveys were used as techniques to collect data; their instruments included the Dental Clinical History and the Health Behavior in School-aged Children 2014—Spain questionnaire. The Kruskal–Wallis test for independent samples, the Spearman rho test, and Pearson’s correlation were applied for the statistical analysis. Results: The results showed a statistically significant relationship between toothbrushing frequency and the number of Decayed, Missing due to caries, and Filled Teeth in the permanent teeth (DMFT) index (P = 0.023), as well as the mother’s profession and their children’s DMFT index (P = 0.044), and the father’s educational level with their children’s toothbrushing frequency (P = 0.035). Conclusions: It was concluded that brushing teeth more than once a day is not enough to maintain optimal oral health status; other important indicators must complement this procedure. The parents’ educational level directly affected their children’s oral health status.