Dental caries remains the most common chronic disease in childhood worldwide, affecting over 530 million children globally, according to the World Health Organization. In Egypt, recent studies estimate that up to 70–80% of preschool children are affected by early childhood caries, with a mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) score ranging from 3.0 to 5.4 in various governorates. These alarming figures underscore the importance of addressing upstream determinants that influence oral health from early life.
Maternal mental health has emerged as a key social determinant of child health, including oral health. Globally, an estimated 10–20% of mothers experience perinatal depression or anxiety, with a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In Egypt, localized studies reported depression in about 25–38% of mothers, particularly among those with low socioeconomic status or caring for children with health challenges. Maternal psychological distress has been linked to neglect of oral hygiene practices, unhealthy feeding behaviors, and lower utilization of preventive dental services for children.
This lecture will explore the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial pathways connecting maternal mental health to children’s oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Emphasis will be placed on the Egyptian context, highlighting national data, ongoing research, and culturally adapted interventions. The presentation advocates for integrating maternal mental health screening into pediatric and dental care systems, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to improve child oral health outcomes and reduce health inequities through a public health lens.

Objectives:

To explore the main determinants of children’s oral health status.
To illustrate the ways in which maternal health could affect their children’s oral health and oral health-related quality of life.