title: Preventing Childhood Caries: A Review of Recent Behavioral Research.
abstract: The etiology of dental caries reflects a complex interplay of biochemical, microbial, genetic, social and physical environmental, and health-influencing behavioral factors. This review updates the literature on the efficacy of behavioral approaches to caries prevention for children up to 18 y of age. Included were studies of behavioral interventions implemented at individual, family, and community levels that assessed results in terms of reductions in caries increments. Only those reports published since 2011 were considered. Outcomes were variable, although motivational interviewing, which involves individuals in decisions about oral health within the context of their respective life circumstances, proved effective in 3 of 4 reported studies, and more definitive trials are underway. Recommendations for future research include examinations of the cost-effectiveness of interventions, as well as work focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying oral health behavior change and variables that may mediate or moderate responses to interventions.
authors.affiliation: Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA judith.albino@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Albino
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tiwari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D062405:Motivational Interviewing; D009909:Oral Health
keywords: behavior change; behavioral intervention; community based interventions; motivational interviewing; oral health promotion; school based interventions