The relationship between multidimensional parenting practices and oral health status, oral health behaviours, and dental anxiety in a regional Turkish paediatric population

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between multidimensional parenting practices and children’s oral health status, oral health behaviours, and dental anxiety. This cross-sectional study included 605 children aged 6–12 years attending their first dental visit and their parents. Demographic data, oral health behaviours, and dietary habits were obtained from parent reports. Parenting practices were assessed using the Multidimensional Parenting Assessment Scale (MAPS). Children’s dental anxiety was evaluated using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces (MCDAS-f) and a Dental Anxiety Questionnaire. Oral hygiene parameters were recorded through clinical examination. Group comparisons were performed using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and correlations were analyzed with Spearman’s test ( p < 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between independent and dependent variables. Positive parenting behaviours were found to be significantly associated with lower DMFT/dmft (Decay (D), Missing (M), and Filled (F) teeth), lower Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and reduced dental anxiety ( p < 0.05). Poor oral health was linked to younger age, lower parental education, inadequate brushing, and higher sugar intake ( p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that general positivity was significantly associated only with DMFT/dmft status (OR = 1.031, 95% CI 1.004–1.058, p = 0.022). General negativity showed significant associations with PI (OR = 1.045), PUFA/pufa (OR = 1.051), and BOP (OR = 1.030). While the Dental Anxiety Questionnaire was a strong independent predictor for PUFA/pufa (OR = 1.774), GI (OR = 2.034), and BOP (OR = 1.885), the MCDAS-f did not emerge as a significant predictor for any clinical index. No significant relationship was found between dental anxiety and DMFT/dmft or PI. Parenting practices are significantly associated with children’s oral health status, oral health behaviours, and dental anxiety. Supportive parenting is linked to better oral outcomes and lower anxiety, highlighting the need to consider family dynamics in paediatric dental care.