In conclusion, already in preschool children, a social gradient
was observed: the higher the educational level of the mother, the
better the oral health of the child and the more desirable the
reported behaviours. Extra attention is however needed for the
highest educated mothers, especially in the first 3 years after
childbirth, as their children tend to deviate from the gradient and
present with increased caries experience. The results of this
study can be used when planning and implementing future
interventions to reduce inequalities in oral health.