Healthy Habits and Predominant Educational Patterns in Preadolescence.

Abstract

Introduction: Social changes and the increasing use of information and communication technologies have altered educational patterns and the development of healthy habits in children. During childhood and preadolescence, parenting styles influence the formation of health habits, such as oral hygiene and nutrition. Excessive use of new technologies without supervision can have negative effects on children's well-being. Objectives: To describe the predominant educational patterns and evaluate oral health habits in children and preadolescents, as well as the influence of the use of new technologies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational pilot study was carried out on a sample of 35 children aged 7 to 11 years. A questionnaire was used to assess oral hygiene habits, diet, and the use of new technologies. Results: A significant relationship was found between the authoritative educational pattern and the person who filled out the survey, mostly mothers (p = 0.03). Significant associations were also observed between the use of new technologies and brushing frequency (p = 0.035), the mothers’ educational level and brushing frequency (p = 0.029), the children’s sex and brushing frequency (p = 0.03), soft drink consumption and brushing frequency (p = 0.045), and between the children’s age and the use of new technologies (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The authoritative parenting style predominated in the sample and was associated with healthy hygiene and diet habits, as well as the establishment of limits on the use of technologies.