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Background Several studies have shown that social conditions in which children are raised and family psychosocial factors affect their oral health. Oral health literacy (OHL) has been shown to be associated with prevalence of dental caries, access to care and prevention of oral diseases. No studies have addressed this issue in Senegal. Objective: To study the characteristics of the mothers’ OHL and its association with children’s dental health. Methods Cross- sectional study in the district of Pikine, a suburb of Dakar including 16 municipalities. Two-stage cluster sampling and a sample comprising 315 children from 3 to 9 years old and their mothers. Data on oral health status were collected from clinical examinations, sociodemographic and OHL (Sistani et al’ OHL-AQ) data were collected during face-to-face interview. Results More than half of the mothers (56.5%) had a low OHL, but 68.9% had an adequate score for the communication/interactive dimension. The level of OHL increased significantly with education level, household wealth and dynamism of the social support. Prevalence of dental caries was 64.8%, following a social gradient and significantly associated with the mothers’ OHL level (OR = 5.2) CI[2.2-14.1]. The oral health behaviour of families was significantly associated with the level of OHL and children’s dental health. A structural equation model showed the OHL was a mediating factor between social characteristics and oral health behaviours. Conclusions The OHL of mothers is an important variable to be included in the study of social inequalities in oral health. The communication/interactive dimension seems to be decisive in the African context of an oral culture and dynamic social support which makes it possible to provide better knowledge and preventive behaviour. Key messages High maternal OHL should be reinforced to lessen oral health inequalities among Senegalese children. The communication/interactive dimension seems to be decisive in the African context of an oral culture and dynamic social to enhance OHL.

Mothers’ Oral Health Literacy and children’s oral health: study in the department of Pikine, Senegal