What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how socioeconomic circumstances influence childhood dental caries and the role of parenting and oral health behaviors.

March 12, 2026Open Access

Pathways Linking Socioeconomic Circumstances to Childhood Dental Caries: The Mediating Role of Parenting and Oral Health Behaviours Before and After Childsmile Implementation

Key Points

This research aims to explore how socioeconomic circumstances influence childhood dental caries and the role of parenting and oral health behaviors.
Analyzed pathways between socioeconomic circumstances and childhood dental caries before and after Childsmile implementation.
Assessed the role of parenting styles and oral health behaviors on caries outcomes.
Evaluated the impact of Childsmile interventions on toothbrushing habits.
Unchanged pathways between socioeconomic circumstances and childhood caries after Childsmile implementation.
Minimal effects observed from different parenting styles on caries outcomes.
Childsmile interventions had a positive impact on toothbrushing behaviors, but socioeconomic circumstances still influenced caries experience.

Abstract

Pathways between SEC and childhood caries were unchanged after Childsmile roll-out, with minimal effects from parenting styles. The diminishing SEC effects via toothbrushing may be positively attributed to Childsmile interventions. The persistent unexplained effect of SEC on caries experience highlights the need for equity-focused structural approaches that address broader socioeconomic inequalities.

Pathways Linking Socioeconomic Circumstances to Childhood Dental Caries: The Mediating Role of Parenting and Oral Health Behaviours Before and After Childsmile Implementation

Key Points

Abstract

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