Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
AimThis was to study children with early detected externalising behaviour problems compared to matched controls regarding oral health, oral health risk behaviour and the parental evaluation of the child’s oral health and dental care.MethodsChildren aged 10–13 years and with externalising behaviour problems, were compared to matched controls. Behavioural characteristics were based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The children and their parents completed questionnaires regarding dental fear, tooth brushing, dietary habits and evaluation of oral health and dental care. Data on dental caries risk assessments, caries, behaviour management problems and dental trauma were obtained from dental files.ResultsThere were no differences in caries prevalence in children with early detected externalising behaviour problems, compared to controls. However, the former group consumed more sweet drinks when thirsty and brushed their teeth fewer than twice daily; they also had more dental trauma in both dentitions and a higher risk range for dental fear, compared to controls.ConclusionsThis study points out potential oral health risk factors in children with early-detected externalising behaviour problems. Although no difference in caries prevalence was observed, externalising behaviour may affect oral health. Therefore, dental professionals should support the families and the children to preserve dental health by offering increased prophylactic measures. There were no differences between children with externalising behaviour problems, compared with controls, regarding the parent evaluation of their child’s dental health. However, more parents in the study group evaluated the dental care as poor or not functioning.
Highlights
A considerable number of children and adolescents suffer from emotional and behavioural problems
The study group was comprised of 194 families with children (10–13 years of age), whose parents participated in parent management training (PMT) programs, evaluating early intervention for children with externalising behaviour problems, previously described in detail (Staberg et al 2016)
This study has shown that the caries prevalence was not higher in children with early-detected externalising behaviour problems, compared to the controls
Summary
A considerable number of children and adolescents suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. Externalising behaviour in children has been shown to influence both dental care and oral health (Staberg et al 2014a, b). An oral health risk behaviour can be expressed as a child brushing its teeth less than twice a day, and consuming more sweets and sweetened drinks several times a day. In children with ADHD, the frequent consumption of sugar can be difficult for the parents to deal with, and sometimes, the oral hygiene/tooth brushing is neglected (Staberg et al 2014b). Among children with externalising behaviour problems, those with an elevated caries risk have been shown to have more impulsivity and conduct problems, compared to children with low caries risk (Staberg et al 2016). The parents were asked to provide background information through a questionnaire, regarding dental care and the STUDY GROUP.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
