Effect of Parental Employment and Family Status (Nuclear–Joint) on the Child's Oral Health in Jammu Population: A Cross-sectional Study

This study was conducted to assess or evaluate the influence of parental employment on the child's oral and dental health. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the repercussions of working parents in Jammu belonging to nuclear and joint families on the oral and dental health of children aged 2–14. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which a total of 1,848 children were examined from March 01, 2012, to February 28, 2014, who came to seek treatment in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Jammu, along with the accompanying parents. Assessment was based on the following parameters: dental caries, eruption status of teeth, and orthodontic status. RESULTS: Age-wise distribution of the patients was done in four groups, 2–5 years (33%), 5–8 years (30%), 8–11 years (21%), and 11–14 years (16%), and were examined as per the above-mentioned criteria. The results were compiled and statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. Children of working parents exhibited more incidence of dental caries which was statistically analyzed (p value = 0.111) and was found insignificant and when analyzed as per the retained deciduous teeth and orthodontic anomalies (p value <0.05) was found to be highly significant. Also, children belonging to the nuclear families whether employed or unemployed were found to be more affected by the above-mentioned dental diseases. CONCLUSION: It was seen that the children whose both parents were working had more incidence of dental caries, over-retained deciduous teeth, and were possessing habits that lead to orthodontic anomalies. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kaul B, Mahajan N, Kotwal B, et al. Effect of Parental Employment and Family Status (Nuclear–Joint) on the Child's Oral Health in Jammu Population: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):504–507.