Studies have shown both parents influence a high risk of caries in children, but guidance of the mothers oral health is greater impacted on his/ her child. Caries levels in children between the ages of 15-19 years old were twice as high when mothers had high level of caries compared to mothers with low levels. Other key factors may determine a child’s risk, such as, environment and nutrition.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco evaluated agricultural workers. A total of 179 mothers and their 387 children were evaluated clinically. Out of the 179 mothers, about 80% reported having poor or fair oral hygiene. About 46% mothers reported untreated dental caries while 27% of their children had untreated caries (clinical name for cavities or tooth decay, which occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and starch we consume daily). Professional dental hygiene care was only received by 33% of mothers, while 6% reported that have never visited a dentist along with 19% of their children. About 1/3 of mothers and 85% of their children had Medicaid dental insurance.
Caries prevention for children starts with parents. Parents should take care of their oral hygiene before their children’s teeth erupt to prevent their risk of caries and other oral health problems. Poor oral health affects much more than just the mouth; its consequences can seriously compromise general health, quality of life, and self-confidence. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to have a regular six month oral hygiene check-up, floss daily, and brush at least twice a day. Avoid eating snacks and drinks that are high in sugars and starch. Parents should motivate their children to choose eating healthy foods.
“Mothers share caries risk with their children” Perio reports hygiene and prevention. Dental Town July 2011. Weintraub, J., Prakash, P., Shain, S., Laccabue, M, Gansky, S,; Mother’s Caries Increases Odds of Children’s Caries. J dent research 89:954-958, 2010.
