Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 320 schoolchildren 6 to 9 years old in Campeche, Mexico. Information on socio-demographic and socioeconomic variables, oral hygiene practices; and attitudes were collected through a questionnaire. The frequency of tooth brushing was categorized as "0" = fewer than 7 times/week, "1" = at least once a day. In the analysis nonparametric tests was used
Result: Mean age was 6.99 ± 1.00 years, 52.5% were boys. The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was 81.6%. In bivariate analysis the prevalence of tooth brushing was higher (p <0.05) among the children of mothers with higher schooling (9.80 years vs. 8.47 years, p <0.05), and in younger children (84.6% in the 6-7 years vs. 71.2% in 8-9 years, p <0.05). We noted a slight, non-significant association (p <0.10) between the current frequency of tooth brushing and an earlier age when the child first starting brushing with toothpaste. There were no statistically significant differences (p> 0.05) on the frequency of tooth brushing by sex neither mother's attitude towards oral health of her child.
Conclusion: The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was high compared to other studies. Mother's maximum level of schooling (as an indicator of socioeconomic position) was associated with higher frequency of tooth brushing. Maternal characteristics are associated with the oral health behavior of their children.