Caries-preventive measures applied by Mongolian dentists to their own children

To investigate caries-preventive measures (CPMs) applied by dentists in Mongolia to their own children in relation to the dentist-parents' professional and preventive care-related backgrounds and the children's dental health.

A questionnaire distributed to Mongolian dentists in 2000 surveyed their professional and preventive care-related backgrounds. The dentists filled in a dental chart for their own children aged 3 to 13 years and indicated which of seven listed CPMs were applied to each child. Of the dentists surveyed, 245 replied (98%); with 146 having children (n = 208) of the target age. Statistical evaluation included chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, linear regression analysis, and odds ratios based on 2X2 tables.

Of the seven CPMs, the following were applied on average per child: 3.7 (SD = 1.6) to 3- to 5-year-olds; 4.4 (SD = 1.3) to 6- to 11-year-olds; 4.3 (SD = 1.4) to 12- to 13-year-olds; with the youngest children receiving the fewest CPMs (p = 0.02). Demonstrating toothbrushing techniques and taking children for regular preventive check-ups were the most frequently reported measures applied to the children. Conversely, pit and fissure sealants and restriction of sugar were the least reported. The number of CPMs was unrelated to any factors connected with the dentist-parents' backgrounds among the youngest group; correlated negatively to dentist-parents' work experience (p = 0.002) among the middle group; and positively to dentist-parents' preventive knowledge (p = 0.04) and self-reported competency (p = 0.005) among the oldest group. Among the middle group, more CPMs were applied to those with greater DMFT/dmft scores.

Caries-preventive measures applied to dentists' children should be improved, especially in regard to sugar consumption. Comprehensive efforts are called for, stressing modern CPMs.