Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding the predictors of toothbrushing at the 2 distinct preschool age time points will help develop and implement effective strategies specific to children's age. AIM: To examine the effect of a family's sociodemographic status and mothers' oral health behavior on children's toothbrushing frequency at 2 different time points: 2 and 5 y of age. DESIGN: Secondary analysis (cross-sectional) of longitudinal data collected through a cohort study. RESULTS: In children aged 2 y, the likelihood of toothbrushing twice or more per day was higher than their comparative counterparts if their mother's toothbrushing frequency was twice or more per day (odds ratio [OR]: 5.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.01-7.90), if they were girls (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.04-1.79), if the mother had completed tertiary education (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01-2.19) or vocational training (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.01-2.33), if the household had 2 adults (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12-5.50) or 3 or more adults (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.06-5.97), if the total household income was >A$120,000/year (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.03-2.56), if the household had both parents (OR: 2.11; 95 % CI: 1.11-4.02). At the age of 5 y, girls whose mothers brushed their teeth twice or more per day were 1.43 (95 % CI: 1.02-2.02) and 10.53 (95% CI: 7.01-15.80) times more likely to brush their teeth more than twice or more per day than boys whose mothers brushed less than twice per day, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Child sex and mother's toothbrushing were the 2 main factors associated with children's toothbrushing frequency at both ages. In addition, several sociodemographic factors were associated with toothbrushing frequency at 2 y of age.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The results of this study can be used by parents, especially mothers and policy makers, as they can help promote consistent toothbrushing habits in children. This is crucial as it is a preventive measure against oral health issues and cavities. In addition, the research can play a vital role in shaping policies to improve toothbrushing practices among children between the ages of 2 and 5 y.