Overprotective parenting is a complex matter, with a parent’s love for their child potentially manifesting in a strict control that can negatively impact a young person’s wellbeing. A study has delved deeper and found that higher levels of overprotective parenting were associated with poorer cooperation during dental care, suboptimal oral hygiene, and a greater risk of dental caries.
Parents who may be deemed overprotective are characterised by:
For parents, this raises the question “how much is too much?”
The answer may be found in the results of the study, which evaluated 120 children aged 5-6. The research focused on toothbrushing behaviour, adherence to dental appointments, and their overall dental health. To determine overprotective parenting, questionnaires were completed by the parents, dentists and clinical staff.
Disruptive behaviour during dental treatment was significantly associated with overprotective parenting, and there was no improvement in oral hygiene. This suggests that parents need to be better educated on the importance of dental care and how it protects children from oral disease.
Higher levels of overprotectiveness were also associated with reduced parental follow-up brushing, less frequent toothbrushing, greater resistance to daily brushing and lower parental confidence in their ability to enforce oral hygiene practices. As such, caries was more prevalent in overprotected children. This may seem paradoxical: in being concerned about their child’s discomfort, parents are indirectly affecting oral health and leading to greater discomfort for the child down the line.
Limiting a child’s autonomy ultimately impacts their self-confidence, reflected in their ability to manage their oral hygiene at home. It is crucial that paediatric patients are encouraged to be proactive in their dental care; to take charge and increase their responsibility. To achieve this, toothbrushing should be reframed as a necessary health measure, such as wearing a seatbelt, rather than a punishment. Adding an element of fun can also help, such as sticker charts, brightly coloured toothbrushes or themed oral hygiene products.
For managing overprotected children in the dental practice, superior outcomes may be achieved by asking the parent to wait outside.
By working together with overprotective parents, dental professionals can reduce the risk of oral disease in their children, as well as setting them up for a life of diligent daily dental care.
>Since you’re here, why not read about the importance of tongue cleaning?
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