Maternal-Child Oral Health Behaviors and Caries Experience in the Child

Objective: This study examined maternal and child oral health behaviors and potential risk factors for dental caries in high-risk children. Study Design: Data on oral health practices were collected from surveys of mother/caregivers and the child's dental chart was reviewed. Linear regression and ordered probit regression models were used to examine data. Results: A total of sixty questionnaires were completed. There was a marginally significant relationship (P=.08) between number of times per day a child consumed a sweetened beverage and the dmfs of the child. Mothers who snacked more frequently had a greater probability(24%) that their child snacked 3 times or more. Mothers who drank a sweetened beverage more frequently had a greater probability (40%) that their child drank a sweetened beverage 3 or more times a day. Mothers who brushed their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste had a greater probability (79%) that their child brushed 2 or more times a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Conclusions: Two maternal variables, reported soft drink consumption and dietary habits, appear promising for caries prediction. Implementation of dietary counseling and oral health programs for mothers and research merit further exploration.

dental caries, snacking, toothbrushing, sweetened beverages

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