SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF CARIES EXPERIENCE IN 5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative influence of socioeconomic status and behaviour on dental health of 5-yr-old children. Dental data from a representative sample of 5-yr-old children from Lothian, Scotland, were analysed in combination with reported behavioural data collected by standardised telephone interviews of the mothers. Dental data was established for 520 children, A total of 324 mothers of these children were interviewed giving a response rate in relation to the original sample frame of 62.3%. Caries experience increased with both decreasing toothbrushing behaviour and a more manual occupational status. The relationship between the parent's occupation and the child's dental health was almost two times as large as the relationship between reported toothbrushing behaviour and the child's dental health. Caries experience increased with both increasing sweet consumption and a more manual occupational status. The relationship between the parent's occupation and the child's dental health was almost four times as large as the relationship between reported sweet consumption and the child's dental health. In conclusion, dental health in 5-yr-old children is related to parent's occupation and toothbrushing and sweet consumption. Occupational status is a much stronger factor than behaviours as reported by mothers.