Pathways Linking Socioeconomic Circumstances to Childhood Dental Caries: The Mediating Role of Parenting and Oral Health Behaviours Before and After Childsmile Implementation

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how socioeconomic circumstances influence childhood dental caries and the role of parenting and oral health behaviors.
• Analyzed pathways between socioeconomic circumstances and childhood dental caries before and after Childsmile implementation.
• Assessed the role of parenting styles and oral health behaviors on caries outcomes.
• Evaluated the impact of Childsmile interventions on toothbrushing habits.
• Unchanged pathways between socioeconomic circumstances and childhood caries after Childsmile implementation.
• Minimal effects observed from different parenting styles on caries outcomes.
• Childsmile interventions had a positive impact on toothbrushing behaviors, but socioeconomic circumstances still influenced caries experience.

Abstract