The role of maternal dental anxiety on preschool children's dental visiting behavior: A health belief model-based scoping review

Maternal dental anxiety (MDA) is a significant barrier to preschool children's dental visits and contributes to poor oral health status. This scoping review aims to map and analyze evidence from the literature regarding the relationship between MDA and maternal behavior in bringing their child to the dentist, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as an analytical framework. A systematic search was conducted on databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, resulting in nine relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria for narrative analysis. The results show a strong and consistent relationship between the mother's anxiety level and dental visit avoidance, as well as poorer oral health status in the child, marked by increased caries scores (dmft/DMFT). Analysis through the HBM identifies that the mother's own anxiety functions as the main perceived barrier, while self-efficacy is a key factor in promoting positive behavior. In conclusion, MDA is a risk factor that contributes to an intergenerational "vicious cycle" of dental anxiety. Effective interventions must adopt a two-generation approach focused on reducing psychological barriers and increasing maternal self-efficacy through HBM-based educational programs to sustainably improve children's dental health.