The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Foundation and Oral-B commissioned Gallup & Robinson to survey 1,000 households with expectant mothers, mothers and primary caregivers of children (newborn through 12 years old) about their children's oral care routines. Highlights of the findings include:
* Starting Early: Seventy-three percent of mothers and expectant mothers are aware that they should see their dentists regularly during pregnancy.
* Getting in the Habit: More than half of parents are regularly cleaning their child's gums before the child has teeth. In addition, 72 percent of children have their teeth brushed by age one or younger.
* Cavity-Free: In families surveyed, 72 percent of children have never had a cavity.
* Regular Checkups: Eighty-nine percent of children visit the dentist regularly. However, fewer than half see a dentist specializing in pediatric dentistry.
* Follow the Leader: To ensure their children are brushing properly, nearly half of parents brush alongside their children or watch their children brush.
* Got Books?: Compared with the 1996 study, more mothers are receiving information about children's oral care from third-party sources, such as books, magazines and Web sites.
