Impact of Parenting Style on Child's Behavior and Caries Experience in 3–6-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of parenting style on a child's behavior and caries experience in 3–6-year-old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,216 parent-child pairs of 3–6-year-old preschool children. Parenting style was determined using Parenting Style and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ). Child behavior was assessed using Frankl's behavior rating scale, and caries experience was recorded using the decayed, extracted and filled deciduous teeth surfaces index. RESULTS: Out of the 1,216 parents, the authoritative parenting style is seen in 70%, authoritarian in 20%, and permissive parenting style in 9.5%. Children with a permissive type of parenting style have shown more negative behavior. Children of authoritative parents had 4.1 times higher odds of exhibiting definitely positive behavior, which is statistically significant (p = 0.004). Children of positive child behavior had 2.4 times higher odds of avoiding caries which is statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Children of authoritarian parents had 1.45 times higher odds of exhibiting caries than children of permissive parents; however, this difference is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Children of authoritative parents demonstrated low caries experience and desirable behavior in the dental office. On the contrary, children of permissive parents exhibited undesirable dental behavior, and children of authoritarian parents had high caries experience. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Twenty-first-century parents are less controlling and are more permissive leading to problematic child behavior in the dental office. Parenting styles have an impact on the effectiveness of behavior management as well as dental treatment. Pediatric dentists should identify different parenting styles and anticipate the child's behavior. This study emphasizes the effect of different parenting styles on a child's behavior and dental caries experience. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Shalini K, Uloopi KS, Vinay C, et al. Impact of Parenting Style on Child's Behavior and Caries Experience in 3–6-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):276-279.