The purpose of this study is to compare oral hygiene status and dietary habits of 3-5 years old children and their parents with a questionnaire and clinic examination between pre- and post-COVID-19 period.
Study Rationale and Objectives: The primary motivation behind this study lies in understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health behaviors, specifically focusing on children at high risk for dental caries. Objectives include assessing changes in tooth brushing habits and dietary patterns among both children and their parents. Study Design: The study employs a prospective observational design. Participants are parents of 155 children aged 3-5 years. Data collection occurs at two time points: before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data Collection Instruments: A structured questionnaire is administered to parents. It covers: Children's and parents' dietary habits (frequency of sugary food consumption). Oral hygiene practices (tooth brushing frequency). The index of decayed-missing-filled deciduous teeth (dmft) is used to assess dental caries status in children. The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on high-caries-risk children's tooth brushing habits. However, increased sugary food consumption by both children and parents exacerbated caries risk. Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals and parents are crucial to mitigate negative oral health effects during such challenging times.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
155
Zeliha Hatipoğlu Palaz
Ankara, Biskek Street/ Emek, Turkey (Türkiye)
Changing tooth brushing and diet habits during the COVID-19 pandemic
Changing tooth brushing and diet habits of 155 children aged 3-5 with high risk of caries during the COVID-19 pandemic period
Time frame: from 15 March to 15 May 2022
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