THE FINNISH FAMILY COMPETENCE STUDY - THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARIES, DENTAL-HEALTH HABITS AND GENERAL HEALTH IN 3-YEAR-OLD FINNISH CHILDREN

The aim of this study was to examine how dental health related habits, infectious diseases and long-term illness are associated with dental health at the age of 3 in first-born children resident in a Finnish pr ovince. The study was designed as a survey using stratified randomised cluster sampling, confidential questionnaires and clinical dental exa minations. The results were analysed using polytomous logistic models. In the stepwise analysis the only statistically significant explanato ry factors were the use of juice at night and dental cleanliness. Anti biotic treatment or long-term illness was not significantly associated with dental health.