Ida Brännemo

Children’s oral health in Sweden is generally good

however, children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas have a higher risk of developing dental caries, and preventive measures are not sufficiently effective. In Stockholm, a parental support program is offered that includes extended home visits from the child’s birth until 15 months of age. A previous study showed that participants in this program had better toothbrushing habits and a lower prevalence of caries at 18 months

however, by the age of 3 years, caries levels were again high. One possible explanation for the findings at 3 years of age is that neither the dental services nor child health services routinely meet families with children between 2 and 3 years of age. The planned intervention involves oral health coaches continuing to support families from 18 months of age—shortly after the extended home-visit program has ended—until the child reaches 3 years of age, through group meetings, individual consultations, and telephone contact. The aim is to strengthen parents’ knowledge and confidence in their own ability to care for their child’s oral health. There is also a well-established strong association between parental stress and an increased prevalence of caries. Against this background, there is a need to build on the initiatives currently provided by child health services and social services and to continue supporting children at high risk of caries. The project is expected to result in fewer caries lesions, improved quality of life for the child, and, in the long term, reduced strain on the family. It may also lead to important insights into how healthcare services can best collaborate to improve children’s health.