Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dental pain is a major public health concern, and analysing its prevalence and possible risk factors is important for effective treatment and prevention. This study explored the risk factors of dental pain among 12-year-old schoolchildren, with a focus on chain mediation analysis linking parents' education to dental pain. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from surveys conducted in 2015 (769 schoolchildren) and 2024 (1090 schoolchildren). Participants underwent oral examinations and completed questionnaires assessing the epidemiological characteristics of dental pain and contributing factors. RESULTS: Dental pain prevalence in 2015, 2024, and the combined sample for 2015 and 2024 was 52.3%, 50.8%, and 51.4%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed the following: (1) In 2015, dental pain correlated with the frequency of consuming sugary drinks; dental caries; and evaluating one's teeth and oral health; (2) In 2024, sex; parents' educational background; frequency of consuming desserts, candies, and sugary drinks; dental caries; and self-evaluation of oral health, were significant factors; (3) In the combined sample for 2015 and 2024, sex; parents' educational backgrounds; frequency of consuming desserts, candies, and sugary drinks; dental caries; and self-evaluation of oral health, were associated with dental pain. Furthermore, by analysing data from the combined sample for 2015 and 2024, chain mediating effects analysis showed that self-evaluation of oral health and frequency of consuming desserts and candies mediated the relationship between parents' educational background and dental pain. CONCLUSIONS: Dental pain prevalence among 12-year-old schoolchildren is alarmingly high, and our study provides direct evidence that parents' educational background is associated with dental pain. This study provides a new perspective on preventing dental pain.