Intergenerational and Social Interventions to Improve Children's Oral Health

Abstract

Dental caries and gingival and periodontal diseases are commonly occurring, preventable chronic conditions in children. These diseases are more common in disadvantaged communities and marginalized populations. Thus, public health approaches that stress prevention are key to improving oral health equity. There is currently limited evidence on which community-based, population-level interventions are most effective and equitable in promoting children's oral health. More rigorous measurement and reporting of study findings are needed to improve the quality of available evidence. Improved understanding of the multilevel influences of children's oral health may lead to the design of more effective and equitable social interventions.

Keywords: Children’s oral health; Community-based interventions; Dental caries; Intergenerational interventions; Oral health equity; Parental interventions; Periodontal disease; Social interventions.