Like Mother, Like Daughter; The Family Factor

A new study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy concluded that when parents do NOT visit the dentist on a regular basis, their children are even less likely to attain regular dental care. On the other hand, when parents DO visit the dentist for regular check ups, their children are more likely to receive regular oral care. Other studies have compared other factors such as income, insurance coverage, assess to care with a family’s oral health care maintenance but this is the first study to analyze the relationship between a parent and a child’s oral health history on a national level. Remember, good habits start at home.

This study was published in the March 2010 issue of Pediatrics.