The influence of different dimensions of oral health literacy on parental attitudes and comprehension of an information leaflet about permanent tooth avulsion

Background/Aim Permanent tooth avulsion requires proper management at the time of the accident and parental oral health literacy (OHL) may influence decision-making with regards to dental trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of OHL on: (1) self-rated comprehension of an information leaflet (IL), (2) self-rated capacity to execute the tasks proposed on the IL, and (3) attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth in children. Material and Methods A longitudinal study was conducted involving the reading of an IL by 466 parents/caregivers. Evaluations were performed prior to the IL (Phase I), immediately after the application of the IL (Phase II) and 60 days after the application of the IL (Phase III). Self-rated comprehension and capacity to execute the proposed tasks were analyzed in Phase II. Attitude was evaluated in all three phases. Functional OHL was measured using the BREALD-30 and interactive OHL was measured using HeLD-14. Results Correlations were found between self-rated comprehension and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs = 0.179; p = .012) and OHL/HeLD-14 score (r = 0.258; p < .001). Correlations were also found between the self-rated capacity to execute the proposed tasks and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs = 0.133; p = .047) and the OHL/HeLD-14 score (rs = 0.225; p < .001). Higher BREALD-30 and HeLD-14 scores were associated with a better performance regarding parental attitudes toward permanent tooth avulsion comparing Phases I and II and Phases II and III (p < .05). Conclusions Higher levels of OHL were associated with better parental self-rated comprehension of the IL and the capacity to execute the tasks proposed therein as well as more adequate attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth.