Intrafamilial Patterns of Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Status Associations Among Children, Parents,...

Background/Objectives: Untreated dental caries, the single most common health condition globally, is strongly associated with behavioural factors. This study examined dental status and oral health habits in child-parent and sibling pairs. Methods: We retrospectively analysed records from a dental practice in northeastern Poland, including 90 child-parent pairs and 27 sibling pairs. Dental status was assessed using the Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, and treatment completion was measured with the Dental Treatment Index (DTI). Oral health behaviours were also evaluated. Results: Significant differences between children and parents were observed only in the mild-to-moderate caries groups (DMFT I: 27 children vs. 12 parents; DMFT II: 15 children vs. 32 parents). No differences were found in the severe caries or caries-free groups. Children had lower treatment completion than parents in the poorest care group (DTI 1: 20 children vs. 7 parents), but similar outcomes in higher DTI categories. Among siblings, differences appeared only in the DMFT I group, with no differences in treatment completion or behaviours. Conclusions: Strong similarities in extreme dental characteristics between children and parents, comparable DTI values in most groups, and consistent sibling outcomes suggest that family environment strongly influences oral health.