Parental factors in early childhood are associated with approximal caries experience in young adults—A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that parental factors in early childhood influence approximal caries experience in young adults. Methods: A cohort of 494 individuals was followed longitudinally from 1 to 20 years of age. Data were retrieved from parental interviews and questionnaires when the child was 1 and 3 years of age. At age 20, the participants underwent bitewing radiographic examination. Based on the number of approximal caries lesions (Da), stratified into initial (Di) or manifest caries (Dm) and approximal fillings (Fa), the participants were divided into two main groups: those with: (a) 0 DimFa (n = 244) and (b) >0 DimFa (n = 250). A subgroup was also created (≥8 DimFa; n = 33). Results: Toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste at 3 years of age less than twice a day (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6) and the participants' mothers' self-estimation of their oral health care as “less than optimal” were important risk factors for developing caries (>0 DimFa OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.1). An interaction effect between toothbrushing at 3 years of age less than twice a day and consumption of caries risk products > 3 times a day further increased the caries experience in young adults (≥8 DimFa OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.8-37.8) together with maternal anxiety about dental treatment (OR 7.4 95% CI 1.6-34.6). Conclusions: Parental factors in early childhood are associated with caries experience at 20 years of age.