Oral health programme for preschool children: a prospective, controlled study

Abstract

Early risk-based OHP, targeted to the families of MS-positive children, can reduce the risk for caries in white-collar families. For blue-collar families, different kinds of methods in caries prevention and support are needed.

Comparing Health Promotion Programs in Public Dental Service of Vantaa, Finland: A Clinical Trial in 6–36-Month-Old Children

“…This kind of training improves the skills and knowledge of personnel, and most probably increases the quality of care given, but inevitably reduces program-related differences. The present finding is, however, in line with studies in Belgium [22], in Finland [10], and in Sweden [23] in which oral health intervention programs did not result in a significant reduction in caries prevalence. …”

“…In their study, the mother's lower level of education was a strong risk indicator for the colonization of caries-related micro-organisms. In the study of Meurman et al [10], early colonization of MS was found to be associated with the socioeconomic status of the family. A systematic review of parental influence on the development of dental caries in children aged 0–6 years old [25] suggests that lower socioeconomic status are associated with higher prevalence or severity of caries in young children, and that the low level of parental education is associated with a higher risk for caries.…”

“…High proportions of MS may be considered biomarkers of rapid caries progression [8], and in young children, the colonization of MS in saliva or plaque is connected to increased risk of caries [9]. Colonization of MS in early childhood has been connected to the lower socioeconomic status of families [10]. In the early risk-based approach, preventive counseling and individual caries-controlling measures can be carried out in time and have been found to be health-effective and cost-effective [1].…”

Factors Associated with Caries Increment: A Longitudinal Study from 18 Months to 5 Years of Age

“…As described in our previous publication, all children, at the age of 18 months, were screened for MS in the dental biofilm unless they were sick or treated with antibiotics [Meurman et al, 2009]. The caretakers of sick children were encouraged to make a new appointment when the child would be well and a minimum of 2 weeks had passed since the antibiotic treatment.…”

“…The subjects formed the control group in our health program study [Meurman et al, 2009] and they were followed for 42 months. The residential area of the study subjects was a suburb of the city and comprised both apartment houses and single-family homes.…”