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 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 (79,10) that their child brushed 2 or more times a day wit 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.