If Parents Visit The Dentist, Children Probably Will, Too
Are studies really necessary for somethings? MJ
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S., yet more than half of children don't see a dentist on an annual basis. A new study suggests programs trying to improve access to dentists for children should also target their parents' use of dental services. In the study, "Association Between Parents' and Children's Use of Oral Health Services," published in the March issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Feb. 1), children were more likely to have visited a dentist in the previous 12 months when their parents also had a dental visit. Of 6,107 child-parent pairs, 77 percent of children and 64 percent of parents had a dental visit in the previous 12 months.
Among parents who had seen a dentist, 85 percent of their children also had a dental visit. Among parents who had not seen a dentist, 62 percent of their children had a dental visit. Children whose dental care was deferred due to cost were more likely to have parents whose dental care was deferred for the same reason. Researchers suggest parental oral health behaviors have an important impact on their children, and that comprehensive strategies to enhance awareness of the importance of oral health and to eliminate financial barriers could improve children's oral health.
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S., yet more than half of children don't see a dentist on an annual basis. A new study suggests programs trying to improve access to dentists for children should also target their parents' use of dental services. In the study, "Association Between Parents' and Children's Use of Oral Health Services," published in the March issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Feb. 1), children were more likely to have visited a dentist in the previous 12 months when their parents also had a dental visit. Of 6,107 child-parent pairs, 77 percent of children and 64 percent of parents had a dental visit in the previous 12 months.
Among parents who had seen a dentist, 85 percent of their children also had a dental visit. Among parents who had not seen a dentist, 62 percent of their children had a dental visit. Children whose dental care was deferred due to cost were more likely to have parents whose dental care was deferred for the same reason. Researchers suggest parental oral health behaviors have an important impact on their children, and that comprehensive strategies to enhance awareness of the importance of oral health and to eliminate financial barriers could improve children's oral health.
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