DENTAL-HEALTH HABITS OF YOUNG FAMILIES FROM SOUTHWESTERN FINLAND

The dental care habits of parents and children as well as the associat ions of these habits were investigated in a follow-up study conducted in the Southwest of Finland. The background factors of the child's use of night-time juice were also studied. The families of the study were a representative sample of local young families with their first chil d. The study sample was obtained using stratified randomized cluster s ampling and confidential questionnaires. Both the mother's and the fat her's toothbrushing habits were significantly associated with the chil d's toothbrushing habits with a cumulative effect. The mother's use of sugar was significantly associated with the child's sugar use habit. Infectious diseases at the age of 9-17 months had an increasing effect on the use of juice at night. Fathers and the youngest mothers, espec ially, need additional support not only for the demanding task of the upbringing of their child but also for the care of their own teeth.