Impact of Maternal Mental Health on the Oral Health Status and Oral Health-related Quality of Life of Their Children

Impact of Maternal Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Perceived Social Support on the Oral Health Status and Oral Health-related Quality of Life of Their Children

Dental caries is a complex multifactorial disease that is strongly related to and influenced by the children's dietary habits, sugar intake, salivary flow, salivary fluoride level, and preventive behaviors. Based on the literature, other factors can affect child dental caries including the influence of social factors, such as the family environment. To avoid suffering from dental caries, preventive oral hygiene practices beginning in childhood are crucial. However, parents are the primary providers of oral health care for their children and they generally play a pivotal role in the overall health and oral health of both children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of maternal mental health in the form of depression, anxiety, or stress and their perceived social support on the oral health status and OHRQoL of their children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Egyptian mothers.
• Preschool children of both sexes aged (3-5 years who have a full set of primary dentition).
• Healthy children with no long-term medications, and with no physical, learning, or mental disabilities.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mothers who do not consent to participate in the study (either for themselves or for their children)
• Mothers with any diagnosed mental disorders.
• Pregnant mothers or mothers who delivered within the last year.
• Mothers with any diagnosed physical disabilities.