Intrafamilial Patterns of Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Status Associations Among Children, Parents, and Siblings
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Untreated dental caries, the single most common health condition globally, is strongly associated with behavioural factors. This study examined dental status and oral health habits in child–parent and sibling pairs. Methods: We retrospectively analysed records from a dental practice in northeastern Poland, including 90 child–parent pairs and 27 sibling pairs. Dental status was assessed using the Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and treatment completion was measured with the Dental Treatment Index (DTI). Oral health behaviours were also evaluated. Results: Significant differences between children and parents were observed only in the mild-to-moderate caries groups (DMFT I: 27 children vs. 12 parents; DMFT II: 15 children vs. 32 parents). No differences were found in the severe caries or caries-free groups. Children had lower treatment completion than parents in the poorest care group (DTI 1: 20 children vs. 7 parents), but similar outcomes in higher DTI categories. Among siblings, differences appeared only in the DMFT I group, with no differences in treatment completion or behaviours. Conclusions: Strong similarities in extreme dental characteristics between children and parents, comparable DTI values in most groups, and consistent sibling outcomes suggest that family environment strongly influences oral health.
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm14196776
Authors: Zuzanna Borawska, Kinga Wnorowska, Kamila Suchodolska, Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz, Joanna Bagińska, Magdalena Nowosielska
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4414526622