Methods: Data were derived from the Growing Up in Ireland study, involving a nationally representative sample of 9-month-old children (N=11,134) in 2007/2008, followed-up at age 3 (N=9,793). Data analysed, included reported dental-problems, information on child health, PCG health, and child/PCG relationships at both time points. Standardized measures were used to assess infant, child and PCG health employing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Parental Stress Scale and the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPR-S Pianta). Reported dental-problems in early childhood were categorized as: (i) no problems; (ii) problems at 9-months only; (iii) problems at age 3 only; (iv) problems at both time points. Bivariate and regression analyses were carried out on statistically reweighted data to determine associations between reported dental-problems during early childhood [i-iv] and subsequent child health, PCG health, and child/PCG relationship at age 3, controlling for socio-demographics.
Results: During early childhood dental-problems were reported among 7.5% (736) of children (at least once); 2.7% (302) at 9-months and 5.0% (493) at age 3. Reported dental-problems were associated with Child health: SDQ Total difficulties scores (P<0.01); PCG health: Parental stress scores (P<0.01); and PCG/child relationships: Pianta CPR-S scores (P<0.01). Those reported to experience dental-problems at both time points generally fared the worst. Controlling for socio-demographic factors in regression analyses, reported dental-problems remained significantly associated with child health, PCG health, and child/PCG relationships.
Conclusions: Findings from the Growing up in Ireland study identified that reports of dental-problems were common in early childhood (affecting ~ 1 in 13 children). Significant associations between reported dental-problems in early childhood and child health (behavioural difficulties) and PCG health (parental stress) were evident. Furthermore, negative aspects of the child/PCG relationships were also associated with reported dental-problems in early childhood.