Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore determinants of dental caries in preschool children according to the ethnic background of the mother. Methods: From an original sample of 900 3 and 5 year old children from Oslo, Norway, 735 individuals showed up for dental examination. The parents completed a questionnaire about dental beliefs, attitudes, diet, oral hygiene, use of fluorides and demography (175 questions). The study was carried out in seven clinics in the Public Dental Health Service that serve populations with socio-economic and ethnic diversity. 5 year olds were radiographed (BW). Enamel caries was included in the dmft-index. Results: The mean ages in the 3 and 5 yr groups were 3.0 and 4.8 yrs. About 10% of the children were immigrants (I), and percentages cariesfree among the 3 and 5 yr olds were 49% and 13%. Corresponding values among the non-immigrants (NI) were 84% and 52% respectively. Fluoride tablets were used regularly of 63% in the NI group and 43% in the I group (p<0.001). Conclusion: It is important to focus on dental attitudes and beliefs of the parents to young children, as these aspects especially among immigrants are associated with children's oral health status. (This study was supported by grants from the EXTRA funds - the Norwegian Foundation for Health and Rehabilitation.)
3:45 PM-5:45 PM, Saturday, 28 June 2003 Svenska Massan F4
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Back to the 81st General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (June 25-28, 2003)