Saudi Med J
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To assess the association between carious lesions in first and second permanent molars in adolescents and their parents' and peers' oral health practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 12-15 year-old male adolescents was conducted in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on February 2016. Data collection included dental examination to measure carious lesions and plaque. There was a questionnaire to assess oral health practices such as brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, current daily tobacco use, and daily consumption of sugary food and drinks. ⋯ The mothers' sugary food intake and students' own brushing were significantly associated with carious lesions in the second molar (OR = 1.95 and 0.36, 95% CI: 1.01-9.89 and 0.12-0.89). Friends' intake of sugary drinks had a strong, but non-significant, association with second molar's carious lesions (OR=3.61, 95% CI: 0.35 - 7.44). Conclusion: In Saudi society, mothers have a major influence on their adolescent sons' carious lesions. Adolescents' oral health strategies should involve parents to reduce their risk of caries.