Nutrition and health in childhood: causal and quantitative interpretations of dental caries.
The aim of the present study was to suggest a causal model of dental caries and to discuss some quantitative interpretations of this model. Three age groups of children (4, 8 and 13 yr) from three different areas in Sweden were included. The caries status of the children was examined. A 7-day record (4-and 8-yr-olds) and a dietary history (13-yr-olds) were used to estimate food intake. Sociodemographic data and data of caries preventive measures were obtained from parents/children. A causal model of dental caries is suggested and some quantitative interpretations are made by means of path analyses. Hypothetical examples of results of changes in caries determinants are given.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004245:DMF Index; D003729:Dental Care; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012924:Social Conditions; D013548:Sweden; D014099:Toothbrushing
D005459:Fluorides