Associations between overprotective parenting and children's cooperation during dental treatment, toothbrushing behaviour and dental caries experience

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2025 Dec 7;26(4):272-279. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2025.2296.

Abstract

Aim: This study explored the association between overprotective parenting and children's behaviour during dental treatment, toothbrushing behaviour and children's dental caries experience in the Netherlands.

Conclusion: Overprotective parenting is significantly associated with more disruptive behaviour of children during dental treatment and more difficult toothbrushing behaviour.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Behavior*
  • Child, Preschool
  • DMF Index
  • Dental Care for Children* / psychology
  • Dental Caries* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting* / psychology
  • Toothbrushing* / psychology