This work sought to determine whether day-to-day household patterns relate to the presence of dental caries and children’s self-assessed oral health. We utilized information collected in the United States through the 2020–2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Two outcomes were examined: parent-reported dental caries (yes/no) and unfavorable oral health (yes/no). The primary predictors represented routine family behaviors:
(1) having a consistent bedtime (yes/no);
(2) number of evenings the family ate dinner together (0–7 days);
(3) duration of exposure to televisions, computers, smartphones, or similar electronics; and
(4) sufficient nightly sleep (yes/no).
Covariates included socioeconomic indicators, type of health insurance, household structure, and characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood. Analyses were carried out using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. For dental caries, children who followed predictable bedtimes (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.58–0.79), had more shared meals (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85–0.96), and lived in neighborhoods perceived as supportive (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.99) showed lower odds of reporting dental caries. Longer screen exposure (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) was linked with higher odds. Regarding oral health ratings, stable bedtimes (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48–0.75), supportive surroundings (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.97), and greater neighborhood amenities (AOR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–1.00) were associated with more favorable health assessments. Increased screen use (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21) and poorer neighborhood conditions (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.26) were linked to worse oral health. These findings underscore the influence of daily family rhythms on children’s oral health. Further work should emphasize interdisciplinary and community-based strategies that strengthen healthy family practices.
