In this study the development of dental caries was observed in Finnish immigrant children between 5 and 8 years of age. Baseline variables that could predict caries were identified. Dental health in this group of Finnish immigrant children was already very poor at the age of 5 and deteriorated further up to 8 years of age, when only 4% of the children were caries free. In the last three years, 48% had participated in an individualized prevention programme (average 0.6 hours). Using the parents' dental status as a predictor gave a higher percentage of correct classifications than the use of dmfs.

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longitudinal study Finland human Longitudinal Studies DMF index ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies Sweden attitude male preschool child female risk factor Risk Factors Child, Preschool dental caries questionnaire prevalence Article cariogenic diet Diet, Cariogenic Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Questionnaires migration Emigration and Immigration attitude to health health survey