C. de Ruiter

The relationship between parenting, family interaction and childhood dental caries: a case-control study

The aim of this case-control study was to explore the relationship between parenting practices, parent-child interaction and childhood dental caries, using a sample of 5-8-year old children from the Netherlands. Cases were defined as children with four or more decayed, missing or filled teeth and controls were caries free. Cases (nxa0=xa028) and controls (nxa0=xa026) were recruited from a referral centre for paediatric dental care and a general dental practice, respectively. Parenting practices and parent-child interactions of the childs primary caregiver were observed using Structured Interaction Tasks and subsequently rated on seven dimensions: positive involvement, encouragement, problem-solving, discipline, monitoring, coercion and interpersonal atmosphere. All Structured Interaction Tasks were videotaped, and coded by trained and calibrated observers blind to the dental condition. Differences in parenting dimensions between cases and controls were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance, independent samples T-tests, χ(2)-tests and multiple logistic regression analyses. Controls had significantly higher scores on the dimensions positive involvement, encouragement, problem-solving and interpersonal atmosphere, compared to cases. Parents of controls were also less likely to show coercive behaviours. These associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for the mothers education level, tooth brushing frequency and the frequency of consuming sugary foods and drinks, except for coercion. There was no significant difference in discipline between cases and controls. In conclusion, this case-control study found a significant relationship between parenting practices, parent-child interaction quality and childhood dental caries. Our findings suggest that parenting practices may be an important factor to consider in caries preventive programs.

Parental and family-related influences on dental caries in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin

OBJECTIVESnThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between parental and family-related factors and childhood dental caries in a sample of 5- to 6-year-old children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Furthermore, the relationship of parental and family-related factors with social class and ethnicity was examined.nnnMETHODSnThe study sample included 92 parent-child dyads (46 cases and 46 controls), which were recruited from a large paediatric dental centre in The Hague, the Netherlands. Cases were children with four or more decayed, missing or filled teeth, and controls were caries free. Validated questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviours, parents dental self-efficacy and locus of control (LoC), parenting practices and family functioning. Parenting practices were also assessed using structured video observations of parent-child interactions.nnnRESULTSnParents of controls had a more internal LoC, and they were more likely to show positive (observed) parenting in terms of positive involvement, encouragement and problem-solving, compared to cases (P < 0.05). Lower social class was significantly associated with a lower dental self-efficacy, a more external LoC and poorer parenting practices. Furthermore, LoC was more external in Moroccan and Turkish parents, compared to Dutch parents.nnnCONCLUSIONnParents internal LoC and observed positive parenting practices on the dimensions positive involvement, encouragement and problem-solving were important indicators of dental health in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Findings suggest that these parental factors are potential mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in childrens dental health.