The purpose of the study was to investigate which factors in the child's environment are associated with poor toothbrushing behavior in 3-year-old children. Mothers' attitudes towards dental education at well-baby climes and the relation of this attitude to children's toothbrushing frequency were also studied. The population sample was obtained by means of stratified cluster sampling of all primigravid women in the study area. The data were collected from the women by structured questionnaires and patient cards from dental well-baby clinics. The present study led to the following conclusions: a) new approaches are needed to make rural populations appreciate the benefits of oral hygiene; b) young mothers need support in their personal and in their children's dental health care; c) each family expecting their first child needs a basic amount of counseling. Health-conscious parents must be supported in the maintenance of their health habits; and d) the provider of the basic counseling has no significant role in the formation of health habits.□Dental health education; family environment; toothbrushing