Assessing the tooth decay status of 2-5 years children and the role of their mother's caring behaviors

Although tooth decay is a preventable disease، it is one of the most common childhood diseases that influences on children ''s health. Caring behaviors have a significant effect on prevalence of this disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the tooth decay status of 2 -5 year children and the role of their mother''s’ caring behaviors. This was a cross-sectional study of 211 children aged 2-5 years and their mothers in Hamadan، Iran. Mothers completed questions about their own oral self- care and their children’s oral caring behaviors. Clinical examination of children’ oral health was carried by a trained dentist. Dental carrier was observed in 83% of the children. There was a relationship between mothers’ and children’s dental visit. The perceived barriers explained 14% of the variance in mothers’ caring behaviors. In policy setting on oral health of children more emphasis should be placed on mothers’ own oral health behaviors and improving mothers’ skills to remove barriers of caring behaviors.