Relationship Between Early Childhood Caries and Mother's Oral Health Condition

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major health issue that affects children (ages 2 - 6) and has several implications in later years including rampant caries in permanent teeth, obesity, and other chronic illnesses. ECC is very common among children living in rural areas, low socioeconomic status, and ethnic minorities. Poor oral hygiene can result from unhealthy habits and behaviors. Children born to parents having poor oral hygiene and related habits are at greater risk of developing ECC. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between ECC among children and oral hygiene status of their mothers. Several indicators including decayed, missed and filled teeth (DMF), gingival/periodontal health status, brushing/oral hygiene practices as well as nutritional history of children as well as their mothers will be assessed. Secondary data from children attending dental hygiene clinics in Maine will be analyzed to test the study hypothesis. Clinical charts from 2008 till 2012 from dental hygiene clinics will be analyzed in this study with an anticipated sample size of 500 children. The participating clinics have been using the same protocols in collecting the patient histories over last four years from children ages 2-6 years and their mothers. Results of this study including those from basic descriptive statistics, correlations and logistic regressions will be presented. The study findings will be useful in creating family-based health education interventions to prevent ECC among children. Implementing interventions to include mothers and their children will enable better health for the entire family. Audience for this presentation can learn the basics of ECC, understand research methods, statistical approaches as well as incorporate effective intervention approaches for critical issues affecting children.