Poor oral health passed through generations
A 27 year study in New Zealand has revealed that poor oral health can be passed down through generations.
The study, which started in 1972 and monitored 1,000 children born between 1972 and 1973, revealed that mothers with poor oral health are likely to have children who suffer from poor oral health during their adult years. The lengthy study shows that there is a strong link between poor oral health in mothers and poor oral health in children.
The researchers compared the children’s oral health at the age of five and then again at the age of 32 and the results showed that children with mothers with poor oral health were much more likely to suffer from oral health conditions including decay and gum disease; tooth loss was also much more common amongst those who had mothers with poor oral health. The children’s results were compared with the self-ratings given by their mothers.
The results of the study confirm beliefs that oral health during adulthood is linked to a combination of factors, including genetic and social factors.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that the study supports the trend that has long been identified by dental health experts and reiterated the importance of good oral hygiene habits being passed on from parents to children.
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