Investigating the relationship between DMFT and mothers’ knowledge and attitude about oral health and dmft of 6–12‑year‑old children with attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Children with attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more prone to tooth decay. In this regard, parents, especially their mothers, play a major role in the oral health of their children.

The present study was a cross‑sectional descriptive study. The population of this study was 64 children with ADHD referred to pediatric psychiatric clinics in Isfahan. Inclusion criteria include willingness to participate in research. At least 6 months has passed since their child was diagnosed with the disorder and their child is receiving treatment.Lack of obvious physical disorders, psychotic disorders, mental retardation and chronic diseases in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder with the approval of a psychiatrist. Collaboration for dental examination by a dentist. Exclusion criteria include obvious physical and mental disorders in mothers of children with attention‑deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. Simultaneous participation in a study similar to the present study due to the possibility of errors in the results. Dissatisfaction with participating in the study and leaving the study during the study. The data collection tool was interview‑questionnaire‑examination. Clinical interviews were conducted using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia to confirm ADHD and rule out other psychiatric illnesses. Information on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of permanent teeth and dmft of deciduous teeth is recorded separately. The score of each index (D, M, F), (f, m, d) as well as the total index (DMFT),(dmft) is calculated for each person. Data were entered into SPSS software version 26 by descriptive statistical methods, one‑way analysis of variance, t‑test, and calculation of Spearman correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The oral health status of children with ADHD did not show a significant relationship with the total score of attitude and knowledge of oral health behaviors of mothers (P > 0.05). The results showed a significant positive relationship between the level of knowledge of the participants and their education level (P < 0.05).

The results revealed that mothers’ knowledge and attitude about oral health and dental health of children with ADHD were generally at an undesirable level.