Nutritional habits, body composition, and dental health in children: a qualitative research on parental approaches

Purpose Recent studies on the relationship between mother-child nutrition and oral health have increased. This qualitative study was planned to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of mothers about their children's nutrition and oral health. Methods The study was based on a qualitative research approach with 23 mothers who applied to the Family Dentistry Department in Karabük. A questionnaire form including demographic characteristics and semi-structured questions about nutrition and oral and dental health was applied to the parents. Body anthropometric measurements of parents and children were measured by the dietician and recorded in the questionnaire form. Results The mean body weight of the child participants was 25.4 ± 2.45 kg, mean height was 129.5 ± 3.00 cm, and 56.5% were in the normal BMI range. The mean body weight of the mothers was 69.5 ± 6.50 kg, mean height was 161.6 ± 5.8 cm, 56.5% had normal BMI and 30.4% were overweight. While 22.0% of the children had their own toothbrush, 73.9% brushed their teeth several times a day (p < 0.05). Mothers have knowledge about healthy nutrition and dentistry practices for improving nutrition and oral health, but they face difficulties in putting what they have learnt into practice. Conclusion Our study emphasizes the importance of socioeconomic, cultural and environmental support for child nutrition and oral health and the development of interventions to help families apply thir knowledge. Further studies are needed to reflect the problems related to child nutrition and oral health to the present day and to increase social awareness.