The relationship between sweetness preference and dental caries in mother/child pairs from Maringa-Pr, Brazil

Aim: Children's patterns of sugar consumption and dental health status have been associated to their mothers' patterns. As a liking for sweetness has been related to caries levels, this study was carried out to analyse the relationship between sweetness preference and caries experience in mother/child pairs. Participants and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of low socio-economic mothers and their 4-5-year-olds from Maringa-Pr, Brazil. Mothers' and children's preference for sugar was measured using the Sweet Preference Inventory. Their caries experience was assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Results: High levels of sweetness preference and caries experience were found in the sample studied. Although not strong, a significant correlation in patterns of sweetness preference (r = 0.12, P < 0.05) and caries experience (r = 0.14, P < 0.05) between mother/child pairs was identified. Among the social-demographic variables, only family income was statistically associated with the children's preference for sweetness (P < 0.05). No significant association between sweetness preference and caries experience could be established. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that mothers may play an important role on the establishment of their children dietary preferences and patterns of dental health. Also, that the socio-economic status may influence children's preference for sugar.