The family’s influence on the oral health of children. A peek behind the front door
The prevention of dental caries seems fairly easy. The disease can largely be avoided by the daily removal of dental plaque using fluoride toothpaste and the control of sugary intakes. Most parents have sufficient knowledge and motivation to adhere to this prevention advice with respect to their children. Actual practice, however, proves quite difficult because parents experience barriers in implementing the advice. This article provides an overview of the most important family-related factors that influence children’s oral health behaviour and dental caries experience. Factors include oral health-related attitudes of the parents, the way that parents deal with their children and communicate with them (parenting practices) and the organisation of daily life within the family (family functioning). It’s important for oral health care providers to engage in conversations with parents to identify possible barriers. Tailored advice can then be given to help them improve their oral health behaviour.