Oral health status, oral health-related behaviours, and oral microbiota in child–mother and child–father pairs

Objective To investigate the oral health status, oral health-related behaviours (OHB), and oral microbiota between preschool children and their parents. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 294 families. The caries and oral hygiene status of children and parents were assessed by calibrated dentists. Plaque samples collected from children with severe early childhood caries and their parents were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing. OHB was collected via questionnaires. Bivariate analysis, Principal Coordinates Analysis, Binary Logistic Regression, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Pearson correlation were performed. Results Children’s caries status was correlated with fathers’ (r s =0.30, 95%CI:0.10-0.47, p =0.002, n=103 pairs) and mothers’ caries status (r s =0.29, 95% CI:0.16-0.41, p < 0.001, n=215 pairs). Higher odds of caries were observed among children whose fathers (OR = 4.67, 95%CI:1.74-12.49, p = 0.002) or mothers (OR = 2.63, 95% CI:1.30-5.33, p = 0.007) had caries. The proportion of children who established favourable OHB was higher among children whose fathers ( p =0.002) or mothers ( p <0.001) had favourable OHB. Children’s toothbrushing duration was correlated with fathers (r s =0.58,95% CI: 0.41-0.72, p <0.001, n=78 pairs) and mothers (r s =0.55,95% CI: 0.45-0.64, p <0.001, n=207 pairs), while snacking frequency was solely correlated with mothers (r s =0.45,95%CI:0.33-0.56, p <0.001). Likewise, the relative abundance of Porphyromonas gingivalis (r s = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.68, adjusted p = 0.009) and Streptococcus sobrinus (r s = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.65, adjusted p = 0.021) were correlated only in child-mother pairs. Conclusion Children’s caries status, OHB, and oral microbiota were associated with those of their parents. Exploring family-centered health promotion strategies is recommended. Clinical Significance Children’s caries status, establishment of favourable oral health-related behaviours, and oral microbial profiles were associated with those of their parents, particularly mothers. Early childhood caries management should focus not only on the child but also on parents. Enhancing parental engagement and family cohesion may contribute to better child health outcomes .