Exploring the Link Between Mothers' Dental Health and Their Children's Cavity Status.

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.