Link between Mother and Child’s Oral Health

New research is showing that many factors regarding the mother can affect children’s oral health by the time they reach adolescence. A study by Case Western Reserve used questionnaires filled out by mothers combined with a dental examination of adolescents to show that several factors regarding the mother during a child’s younger years can influence dental health by adolescence.

Teens whose mothers had lower education, emotional health, or general knowledge, such as nutrition and proper care and prevention, had more plaque, decay, and oral health problems than adolescents whose mothers had greater education level, emotional health, and knowledge. The study showed that if mothers were lacking in even just one of these areas, children were more likely to suffer from poor oral health by the time they became teenagers.

Surprisingly, these factors seemed to play more importance in overall oral health for the children than low birth weight and access to preventive dental care. Even if there was access to dental care, the oral health of teenagers was more dependent on the mother’s education, emotional well-being, and knowledge.

While it is important to show children how to take care of their teeth properly at home, it is just as important to take children to the dentist for twice a year cleanings and exams. Our West Hollywood dentist can exam your children’s teeth and provide individual recommendations for at-home care to help keep your children’s teeth strong and healthy for many years to come.

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