Impact of Parents' Sense of Coherence on Children's Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Dental Caries Experience among Newcomers

Purpose. To examine the relationship between parents' sense of coherence (SOC) and children's oral health outcomes among newcomers (immigrants to Canada). Methods. Immigrant parents with children aged 1-12 years who lived in Canada for 10 years or less were recruited. Outcome variables included children's caries experience (DMFT/dmft) and oral health-related behaviors (frequency of toothbrushing, sugar intake, and dental visits). Parents SOC was measured. Results. Among 274 parents: mean (SD) age 34.92 (6.35) years; 57% post-secondary education; 38% monthly income below $2000; and 41% living in Canada for less than five years. Children: mean (SD) age 4.5 (2.9) years; 55% born in Canada; 42% dental coverage; 52% untreated caries. The mean (SD) of parents' SOC was 59.1 (12.03). Sense of coherence scores were not significantly associated with children's caries experience and oral health behaviors. Conclusions. Parent's SOC was relatively low among newcomers and not associated with children's oral health outcomes.