Table 3 Median dmft scores and independent variables

Bottle feeding before sleeping

 Yes

 No

Bottle feeding duration

  ≤ 24 months

  > 24 months

 Still fed with bottle

Frequency of sugary snack intake (times per day)

  ≤ 2

  > 2

Brushing frequency (times per day)

  < 2

  ≥ 2

Brushing started age (months)

 0–24

 After 24

Use other cleansing aids

 Yes

 No

Assistance in brushing

 Yes

 No

Dental attendance

a < b

 Yes, regularly ^a

 Yes, irregularly ^b

 No ^a

Monthly family income (HKD)

b < a

  ≤ 15,000 ^a

 15,001–30,000 ^{a, b}

  ≥ 30,001 ^b

Father’s education level

 Primary or below

 Secondary

 Tertiary or above

Mother’s education level

b < a

 Primary or below ^a

 Secondary ^{a, b}

 Tertiary or above ^b

Parental dental knowledge level

b < a

 Low ^{a, b}

 Moderate ^b

 High ^a

Parenthood

 Both parents

 Single parent or other

Primary caregiver

a < b

 Parents ^{a, b}

 Grandparents or relatives ^b

 Domestic helpers ^a