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Oral health-related behaviors and mental health among children of migrant workers in China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study aims to investigate differences in oral health-related behaviors of local children and children whose parents were rural-to-urban migrant workers, and explore the relationship between oral health-related behaviors and mental health. A valid sample of 1331 students from 3 primary schools in Hangzhou was included. Participants were questioned about the frequency of tooth brushing, and sugary drinking consumption. A Chinese language Mental Health Test (MHT) scale was also used to assess children’s mental health. Differences between the groups were analyzed using Chi-square and independent t-test. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between oral health-related behaviors and mental health. Among the 1199 students who completed the survey, 575(47.8%) were children of migrant workers (CMW). They brushed their teeth less ( p = 0.003) and had higher scores of MHT ( p = 0.007) than local children. Logistic regression revealed that CMW with mental health problems were more likely to brush their teeth less than twice per day ( OR = 1.95, p < 0.01), and consume soft drinks once or more per day ( OR = 1.73, p < 0.05). Tooth brushing was associated with Loneliness tendency( p = 0.001),Sensitiveness tendency( p = 0.001),Body anxiety( p = 0.001),Impulsive tendency( p < 0.001) of MHT, whereas soft drink consumption was associated with Learning anxiety( p = 0.003 ), Personal anxiety( p = 0.007), and Sensitiveness tendency( p = 0.032). CMW has a lower frequency of brushing teeth and a higher risk of mental health problems than local children. Their oral health-related behaviors were associated with their mental health scores. Comprehensive intervention strategies are warranted, including the promotion of healthy beverage policies in schools, the integration of oral and mental health assessments with behavioral interventions, and the provision of targeted support for vulnerable groups.

Source: BMC Oral Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12903-026-09633-4

Authors: Huan Zhou, Huaineng Wu, Xin Ge, YanQi Li, Haobo Sun, Weifang Zhang