Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the oral health behaviour of young children

AIM: Children up to the age of 10 are dependant primarily on their caregivers for oral care; COVID-19 lockdowns may have disrupted this care. We therefore assessed whether the COVID-19 lockdown affected routine parental oral care for their children.

METHODS: A short online survey regarding oral health behaviour and changes in the home setting during the COVID-19 lockdown was emailed to parents (n = 782, response 15%) participating in an existing study 'Healthy Teeth All Aboard (HTAA)'.

RESULTS: During the lockdown, 29% of parents reported that they skipped their children's toothbrushing more often than before the lockdown, and 49% of the children were allowed to consume sugary snacks or drinks more often. These behaviours were not significantly associated with socio-economic status, country of birth of the mother, work situation of the parents, school attendance patterns or HTAA participation status.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 lockdown affected the daily oral hygiene routines of children, potentially increasing caries risk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dental professionals should be aware of the potential impacts on oral health in children in the circumstance of a new lockdown. Parents should be made aware of the oral health consequences of a lockdown.