Is parental oral health literacy a predictor of children's oral health outcomes? Systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND The scientific evidence regarding the association between parental oral health literacy (OHL) and children's oral health is unclear. AIM To evaluate the scientific evidence concerning the association between parental OHL and children's oral health outcomes. DESIGN Eight databases were searched. Studies that evaluated oral health outcomes among children and measured parental OHL through a validated tool were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and analysed the risk of bias. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. Most (n = 6) had a high risk of bias. Most studies evaluating dental caries found association between lower parental OHL and higher prevalence/experience of dental caries. Poor oral health-related quality of life was associated with decreased parental OHL (P < 0.05). Studies diverged on the association between OHL and the number of filled, extracted teeth, and dental visits. There was no association between children's tooth brushing frequency, use of toothpaste, oral health claim, oral health expenditures and parental OHL. The literature was inconclusive regarding the association between night bottle feeding, negative parental perception of the child's oral health and OHL. CONCLUSION Low parental OHL was associated with dental caries among their children. It is too soon to assume an association between OHL and the remaining outcomes.