Caries risk indicators in preschool children Maternal and family conditions in pregnancy and early childhood and dental caries development in preschool children

In this study, associations between maternal health and lifestyle in pregnancy and earlychildhood and caries experience in preschool children were explored. The study is based onthe Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study conducted by the Norwegian Institute ofPublic Health and on data from the Public Dental Services. A total of 1348 children werefollowed from pregnancy to age 5 yr. Clinical dental examination was performed at age 5 yr.Questionnaires were completed by the mothers during pregnancy and the first 18 months oflife, and as part of the dental examination. The results from the multivariable logisticregression analysis showed that having a mother defined as obese (OR 2.1, CI 1.1-4.1), oroverweight (OR 1.6, CI 1.0–2.6), having a mother with a diet containing more sugar thanrecommended (OR 1.6, CI 1.1-2.4), having one or both parents of non-western origin (OR4.6, CI 2.0-10.5) and having a mother with low education (OR 1.5, CI 1.0-2.3), werestatistically significant risk indicators for caries experience at age 5 yr. In conclusion,maternal weight and sugar intake in pregnancy were associated with caries experience inpreschool children.