Protective behaviors and risk factors for caries among a New York City daycare population, 2012-2013

Background:  New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted a survey to determine prevalence of risk and protective factors for childhood caries among NYC daycare children. A relationship between adult oral health behaviors and their child’s were assessed.

Methods:  Parents and caregivers of children ages 0-6 were surveyed through a stratified random sample of 75 daycare centers citywide from October 2012 to February 2013. Centers were oversampled in areas with high concentrations of Asian or low income individuals and centers who serve young children. English, Spanish and Mandarin online and self-mailer paper surveys were available. Age breakdowns were based on professional organization recommendations. Adult and child behaviors were compared using Chi-square tests.

Results:  There were 1,481 responses (21% response rate) the majority (82%) ages 2-4. Fourteen percent of 1-6 year olds were told they had a cavity by a dentist or health care provider; 52% of children 6 months or older brushed their teeth once a day or less and 9% most often brushed alone. Among 2-6 year olds, 31% do not use toothpaste or fluoride toothpaste and 43% recently had a non-water drink from a baby bottle or sippy cup not at mealtime. Adults who visited the dentist in the past year or brushed frequently were more likely to report a child exhibiting those behaviors (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:  This population engages in modifiable childhood caries risk behaviors. Large scale oral health education was conducted to inform parents and caregivers on risk reduction strategies and appropriate prevention practices.