Hawaii's epidemic dental decay rate in children.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if other factors besides community water fluoridation influences the dental decay rate in children. Identical questionnaires were filled out by two groups of parents, both with a sample size of 100, whose healthy children (ages 5-12) were patients of a pediatric dentist practicing in a non-fluoridated water community. Group A had children with zero Decay or Filled Teeth (DFT). Group B had children with at least five DFT. Children were found to have a significantly lower dental decay rate (P < 0.05) when: 1) they consistently return for their six month dental examination appointments after their initial dental visit at age one; 2) their parents realize which foods contain sugar; 3) their parents understand the importance of "baby teeth;" 4) their parents are not hesitant to bring them to the dentist; 5) their parents go to the dentist on a regular basis; 6) their parents do not have difficulty disciplining them; 7) the child was are not "strong-willed" or "hard-headed;" 8) someone does not appease (or "give in" to) them when they get upset; 9) they do not live in a single parent household; and 10) at least one parent achieves a higher academic educational level. This study suggests that water fluoridation is not the only way to prevent dental decay.