Tove Irene Wigen

• Håkstad, Katrine; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Wigen, Tove Irene; Fegran, Liv & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2026). How physical and sexual abuse impacts oral health: a cross-sectional study from a Norwegian Children’s House. BMC Oral Health. 26. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-09143-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although the association between neglect and an increased risk of oral disease is well established, the independent association between physical or sexual abuse and oral health has been less extensively studied. This study explored oral health condition in children suspected of being exposed to physical or sexual abuse by examining the association between abuse type and caries experience and gingival condition. It also assessed whether these associations were modified by age, sex, and ethnicity. This cross-sectional study involved 328 children, aged 1–18 years, who underwent clinical forensic dental examinations at a Norwegian Children’s House (NCH) from 2017 to 2021 (n = 328) due to suspected physical or sexual abuse. Data were collected from forensic dental and medical records at the NCH and included data from extra- and intra-oral examinations accompanied by conversations with the children. Negative binomial and logistic regression were performed for unadjusted, adjusted, and stratified analyses. Data are presented as ratios of means (RMs) and odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sexually abused children had a higher mean number of decayed teeth (DT) (RM 1.99, 95%CI 0.99–4.02) compared with physically abused children. They also more frequently received toothbrushing assistance. When stratifying by sex and ethnicity, the results revealed that sexually abused males had a higher mean number of DT compared with physically abused males (RM 4.23, 95%CI 1.37–13.12). A similar association was observed in sexually abused Ethnic Norwegian children (RM 3.53, 95%CI 1.60–7.82). Gingival condition varied by age. Sexually abused children exhibited better gingival condition before the age of four compared with their physically abused peers, but these conditions deteriorated after the age of thirteen, where the results showed an opposite association. The findings indicated that oral health condition varied according to abuse type, with poorer oral health conditions among sexually abused children than those physically abused. These results, underscore the crucial role of forensic and dental professionals in identifying oral health conditions that may signal possible abuse.

• Stangvaltaite-Mouhat, Lina; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Klepaker, Ingrid Volden; Wigen, Tove Irene; Uhlen-Strand, Marte-Mari & Skudutyte-Rysstad, Rasa (2026). Development of a nomogram for prediction of occlusal dentin caries in Norwegian children at risk: a 36-month follow-up study. BMC Oral Health. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-09819-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a nomogram predictive model for occlusal dentin caries development on first permanent molars (FPMs) over 36 months in children at risk in Norway. Methods For a practice-based split-mouth randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03315312, retrospectively registered in October 2017) comparing effectiveness of caries control methods (fissure sealants versus fluoride varnish), children aged 6 to 10 years considered at high caries risk (D3MFT/d3mft > 0) were recruited by calibrated dentists and dental hygienists during routine examination in the public dental service and monitored for 36 months. Outcome was development of occlusal dentin caries lesion on FPMs. Data on biological predictors were collected at baseline by clinicians. Data on behavioral predictors were collected using a questionnaire for parents. Clinical predictors included clinic’s county, whether the participant was followed up by the same clinician and caries control method. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) logistic regression model was used to select relevant predictors and develop a nomogram for predicting dentin caries development. Results Of 330 participants, 174 (51.7) were boys. The Lasso logistic regression selected four predictors, d3mft at age 5 years, occlusal surface baseline status, caries control method, and use of fluoride toothpaste, which were used to construct a nomogram. The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve was 0.69 (95% CI 0.62–0.77), and Concordance Index was 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.76) in the training set and 0.67 (95% CI 0.59–0.74) in the validation set. The calibration belt indicated good calibration of the model (p > 0.05). Conclusion In this study, based on 36-month follow-up data in children at risk, we have developed and internally validated a nomogram to predict dentin caries on occlusal surfaces of FPMs. The findings suggest that nomogram approach may be a useful visual aid in clinical practice to facilitate informed decision-making; however, external validation in a large cohort study, transportability and applicability to different settings are needed

• Skallevold, Hans Erling; Hol, Caroline & Wigen, Tove Irene (2026). Tilsynelatende intakt melkemolar med apikal periodontitt – dens invaginatus påvist med mikro-CT ex vivo | Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 136, p. 384–387. doi: 10.56373/69dcc7251034d. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende – Tilsynelatende intakt melkemolar med apikal periodontitt – dens invaginatus påvist med mikro-CT ex vivo

• Håkstad, Katrine; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Wigen, Tove Irene; Fegran, Liv & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2026). Mapping orofacial signs of child abuse in children referred to a Norwegian Children's House. Child Abuse & Neglect. ISSN 0145-2134. 178. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108167. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Child physical and sexual abuse frequently involves the orofacial region, yet comprehensive forensic mapping of both traumatic and nontraumatic orofacial signs in children referred due to suspected abuse remains limited. Objective To comprehensively map extraoral and intraoral signs in children referred for forensic dental examination due to suspected physical or sexual abuse, describing injury types, anatomical distribution, and nontraumatic oral health findings across abuse types. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included 362 children aged 1–18 years referred to a Norwegian Children's House, an interdisciplinary forensic assessment center for children, between 2017 and 2021. Extraoral signs were identified through combined forensic dental and medical records, while intraoral signs were identified through dental examinations. Orofacial signs were classified as traumatic injuries or non-traumatic findings. Analyses were conducted at both case level (presence/absence) and the injury count level (number and anatomical distribution of injuries), stratified by suspected abuse type. Results Intraoral signs were identified in 76.1% of the children, and 45.6% had extraoral signs. Most children were aged 6–11 years (56.1%). Extraoral injuries were more common among children with suspected sexual abuse (40.7%) than among those with suspected physical abuse (34.4%), whereas intraoral injuries were similar (≈19%). Dental trauma accounted for nearly three-quarters of all intraoral injuries and was more frequent among physically abused children. Nontraumatic intraoral findings were common in both groups (∼63%), with poor oral hygiene and untreated caries occurring more often in the physical abuse group. Stress-related findings, such as tooth wear and headache, were slightly more common among children with suspected sexual abuse. Conclusions Children referred for forensic evaluation due to suspected abuse frequently presented with traumatic and nontraumatic orofacial signs. The integration of forensic dental and medical examinations strengthens the identification of head and neck injuries and highlights the pivotal role of dental professionals in multidisciplinary child protection.

• Tegelberg, Paula; Ólafsson, Vilhelm Grétar; Bogren, Anna; Damgaard, Christian & Wigen, Tove Irene (2025). Hvilken rolle spiller tandtråd, tandstikkere og interdentalbørster ved approksimal rengøring? Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 135, p. 42–45. doi: 10.56373/2025-1-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Afzal, Sadaf Haque; Skaare, Anne; Wigen, Tove Irene & Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen (2024). Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation: Severity, caries and hypersensitivity. Journal of Dentistry. ISSN 0300-5712. 142. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104881. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives To investigate distribution of affected teeth and severity of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in 8-9-year-old children. A second aim was to study association between severity of MIH and hypersensitivity, caries, and affection of incisors and second primary molars (SPM). Methods A total of 3013 children in one age cohort participated in a cross-sectional study, of which 851 children were diagnosed with MIH. A majority of these children were re-examined and MIH diagnosis based on the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria was confirmed in 538 children. The re-examinations were undertaken at the local clinics by one calibrated dentist. Data were tested with bivariate logistic regression analysis. Results were reported using frequencies, proportions, odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results Almost half of the children with MIH (46.8 %) had at least one severely affected molar. Incisors were affected in 51.9 % of children with MIH, and the prevalence was higher in children with severe affection (57.4 %, p < 0.01). Among children with MIH, second primary molars were affected in 29.6 %, hypersensitivity in at least one first permanent molar was reported by 25.8 and 30.8 % had caries extending to dentine. Children classified with severe MIH were more likely to suffer from hypersensitivity (OR 5.62, 95 % CI 3.61–8.74) and dentine caries (OR 10.32, 95 % CI 6.46–16.50) than children with mild MIH. Conclusion Prevalence of hypomineralised incisors and SPM were high in the studied children with MIH. Children with severe MIH had higher probability of incisor affection, dentin caries and hypersensitivity. Clinical significance This study highlights the importance of understanding the association between MIH, caries and hypersensitivity, especially in children with severe MIH. These children need extensive and individualized care in the dental services to prevent caries and pain.

• Angelsen, Marthe; Bjørheim, Kristina; Lundeby, Mathilde; Wigen, Tove Irene & Rønneberg, Anne (2024). Barn og deres omsorgspersoners erfaring med tannbehandling under generell anestesi. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 134(3), p. 196–202. doi: 10.56373/2024-3-3. Full text in Research Archive
• Tuvrønningen, Hanne Shetelig; Rønneberg, Anne; Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen & Wigen, Tove Irene (2024). Protetisk behandling med adhesiv teknikk – et alternativ i ung alder? Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 134, p. 696–700. Full text in Research Archive
• Anjum, Faiza Sarwar; Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen & Wigen, Tove Irene (2024). Prognosis of non-vital incisors after apexification using bioceramics: a retrospective study. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry. ISSN 1818-6300. 25, p. 637–644. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00915-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose To evaluate the outcome of apexification using bioceramics in immature permanent teeth, and to study the factors influencing treatment outcome and frequency of spontaneous cervical root fractures. Methods Forty-six children with 51 non-vital permanent incisors treated with a bioceramic apical plug were included. Mean age at pulp necrosis was 9.8 (SD 2.2) years and mean follow-up time was 3.3 (SD 2.4) years. Data were extracted from dental records and included stage of root development, presence of external root resorptions, clinical signs of infection, size of periapical lesion, type and placement of bioceramic plug, and spontaneous root fracture. Treatment outcome was assessed using periapical index (PAI-score) and presence of clinical symptoms. The statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Data were cross-tabulated and tested with chi-square statistic. Results Biodentine™ was used as apical plug in 78.4% of the teeth and MTA in 21.6%. Complete healing or signs of healing was reported in 86.3% of the teeth, whilst seven teeth (13.7%) were non-healed. All non-healed teeth had preoperative clinical signs of infection. No difference was found in stage of root development, presence of root resorption, and type and placement of bioceramic plug in healed and non-healed teeth (p > 0.05). Five teeth (9.8%) exhibited root fracture 1–6 years after treatment and all had very immature root development. Type of bioceramic or external root resorption was not associated with spontaneous root fracture. Conclusion Apexification using bioceramics showed favourable prognosis in immature permanent teeth. Very immature teeth were at risk of root fracture after apexification with bioceramics.

• Sæthre-Sundli, Helene Borghild; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2023). Prolonged breastfeeding and dental caries in preschool children. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6357. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2023.2211154. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose To explore breastfeeding from 6 to 18 months of age and to study the association between breastfeeding and caries prevalence at 5 years of age. Methods The study included 1088 children from one Norwegian county and was based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The children had clinical dental examination at 5 years of age, and parents answered a questionnaire, which included information on breastfeeding, oral health behaviour and child characteristic. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed. The study was ethically approved. Results Of the studied children, 77% were breastfed at 6 months of age and 16% were still breastfed at 18 months of age. Few children (6%) were breastfed during night at 18 months of age, while 11% received sugary drink during night. No association was found between breastfeeding up to 18 months of age and caries prevalence at 5 years of age (p > .05). Children who at 18 months of age had their teeth brushed less than twice daily (OR 2.4, CI 1.5–3.9), consumed sugary drink once a week or more often (OR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.7) and had non-Western parents (OR 3.4, CI 1.5–8.1) were more likely to have caries experience at 5 years of age than other children. Conclusion Breastfeeding up to 18 months of age was not associated with caries development during preschool age.

• Afzal, Sadaf Haque; Wigen, Tove Irene; Skaare, Anne B & Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen (2023). Molar–incisor hypomineralisation in Norwegian children: Prevalence and associated factors. European Journal of Oral Sciences. ISSN 0909-8836. 131(3). doi: 10.1111/eos.12930. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract This study investigated the prevalence and associations of molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in 8–9 year‐old children in Oslo. A total of 3013 children in one age cohort participated in the study during their regular dental examination at the Public Dental Service. Hypomineralised enamel defects were recorded according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria for MIH. Information on health and medications used during pregnancy and in the child's first 3 years of life was obtained from a questionnaire administered to parents. The overall prevalence of MIH was 28.2%, with no gender difference. A higher prevalence of MIH was found in children who had been ill or had used medication in early life and in those whose mother had been ill during pregnancy. No association was found between MIH and prematurity or maternal use of medication during pregnancy. The multivariable analyses showed that children with MIH were more likely to have suffered from illness in early life (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.17–1.70), used antibiotics during the first year of life (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.19–2.35), experienced tooth pain (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.72), and experienced pain while toothbrushing (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46–3.23) than children without MIH. The prevalence of MIH was high in the children participating in this study.

• Sæthre-Sundli, Helene Borghild; Løken, Sonja Yr; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2022). Fissure sealing and caries development in Norwegian children. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry. ISSN 1818-6300. 23, p. 905–910. doi: 10.1007/s40368-022-00729-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose To explore the use of fissure sealing as a caries preventive method by describing characteristics of children who had received sealants and to study associations between sealing and caries prevalence at 12 years of age. Methods The study included 3075 children examined at 5 and 12 years of age. Data were collected by clinical examination and questionnaire to parents. The questionnaire provided information on child characteristics and oral health behaviour in children at 5 years of age. Data on sealing and caries prevalence were obtained from dental records. Bi- and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics approved the study (2.200.54 and 2013/1881). Results Of the children, 12% had received sealants on permanent teeth before 12 years of age. Children with dentin caries at 5 years of age (OR 2.0, CI 1.5–2.7) had a higher probability of having received sealants than children without caries. Having sealants (OR 2.8, CI 2.2–3.6), enamel caries (OR 1.5, CI 1.2–1.9), dentin caries (OR 2.9, CI 2.3–3.6) and using fluoride lozenges less than daily (OR 1.5, CI 1.3–1.8) at 5 years of age were associated with having dentin caries prevalence at 12 years of age. Conclusion Few children had received fissure sealing. Although sealing was used as a caries preventive method in children who had experienced caries in primary teeth, these children continued developing caries in their permanent teeth.

• Baumgartner, Christine Sophie; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2022). Self-reported satisfaction with teeth and associated factors in 12-year-olds. Community Dental Health. ISSN 0265-539X. 39(3), p. 165–168. doi: 10.1922/CDH_00287Baumgartner04. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2021). Characteristics of teenagers who use dental floss. Community Dental Health. ISSN 0265-539X. 38, p. 10–14. doi: 10.1922/CDH_00006Wigen05. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To describe the use of dental floss by teenagers and study associations between flossing and approximal caries experience, oral health behaviours, gender, parental education and national background. Methods: The study included 2156 14-year-old teenagers. Data were collected in conjunction with routine dental examinations. Teenagers answered a questionnaire about frequency of and reasons for flossing, oral health behaviours and family characteristics. Information about approximal enamel (D1-2Sa) and dentine caries experience (D3MFSa) was collected from dental records. Data were cross-tabulated and tested with Chi-Square statistics and ANOVA, and analysed using multivariable logistic regression. The data was baseline data in a longitudinal study exploring effects of dental floss. The study was performed as part of the quality assurance system required by law in the dental services and did not require ethical approval. Results: Half of the teenagers (54%) used dental floss. Among teenagers who flossed, 15% reported doing so daily. Recommendation from dental personnel was the most important reason for using dental floss. Proportionately more girls and teenagers whose parents had high educational achievement reported flossing. Teenagers who flossed more often had more favourable oral health behaviours than other teenagers but more often had approximal enamel caries (D1-2Sa) and approximal dentine caries experience (D3MFSa) than other teenagers (p<0.05). Conclusion: Use of dental floss was not a daily behaviour in most teenagers. Flossing was associated with having approximal caries lesions, indicating that teenagers having signs of approximal caries had been recommended to use dental floss. Keywords: adolescent, caries, oral health behaviour, dental floss, topical fluoride.

• Baumgartner, Christine Sophie; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2021). Oral health behaviours in 12-year-olds. Association with caries and characteristics of the children? Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6357. 80, p. 15–20. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2021.1933173. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective To explore frequency of tooth brushing, dental flossing, fluoride supplements and sugar snacking in 12-year-olds, and to study how these oral health behaviours were associated with background characteristics and caries prevalence. Material and methods The study included 4779 children. Data were collected by clinical examination and questionnaires regarding oral health behaviours and child characteristics. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data were tested using Chi-square statistics and analyzed by logistic regression. The study was ethically approved. Results Of the children, 81% brushed twice daily, 36% flossed once a week or more often, 39% used fluoride supplements daily and 48% consumed sugar between meals once a week or less often. Children who brushed twice daily more often flossed regularly, used fluoride daily and consumed sugar between meals less often than other children (p < .05). Girls and children whose parents had long education more often had favourable oral health behaviours than other children; brushed more frequently, more often used floss and fluoride supplements and consumed sugary snacks less often than other children (p < .05). In total, 40% of the children were caries-free. Children who brushed less than twice daily had more often caries than other children (OR 1.50, CI 1.29–1.74) when controlling for background characteristics and other oral health behaviours. Conclusions The majority of children brushed twice daily and these children had caries less often than other children. The use of dental floss, fluoride supplements or sugar snacking in addition to brushing twice daily, did not reduce the probability of having caries.

• Sæthre-Sundli, Helene Borghild; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2020). Do enamel and dentine caries at 5 years of age predict caries development in newly erupted teeth? A prospective longitudinal study. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6357. 78(7), p. 509–514. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2020.1739330. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To explore caries development in children from 5 to 12 years of age, and to study whether enamel caries and dentine caries at 5 years of age could predict caries prevalence at 12 years of age, controlled for child characteristics. Methods: The study included 3282 children examined at 5 and 12 years of age. Data were collected by clinical examination and questionnaire. Enamel and dentine caries were registered at surface level. Data were tested by t-test and analysed by bi- and multivariate logistic regression. The study was ethically approved. Results: In 5-year-olds, 15% of the children had dentine caries experience and 21% had enamel caries. In 12-year-olds, 32% had dentine caries experience and 47% had enamel caries. Children with dentine caries experience at 5 years of age had at 12 years of age developed more surfaces with enamel caries (mean 2.8, SD 4.2) and dentine caries experience (mean 1.8, SD 2.5) than other children (p < .05). Dentine caries experience at 12 years of age was associated with having only enamel caries (OR 1.6, CI 1.2–2.0) and dentine caries experience (OR 3.2, CI 2.6–3.9) at 5 years of age. Family status and parental education were related to caries development. Conclusion: Children with caries in primary teeth continued to be caries risk children during the mixed dentition period. In addition to dentine caries experience, enamel caries in primary teeth was a predictor for caries development in young permanent teeth and may be used to improve the caries risk assessment.

• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2019). Recall intervals in children are individualized and extended. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6357. 77(6), p. 468–473. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2019.1599422. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The aim of this study was to follow attendance patterns longitudinally by exploring length of intervals between routine dental examinations in children at the ages of 5 and 12 years, and study associations between length of recall intervals and caries prevalence, controlled for gender, parent’s background and parent’s education. Materials and methods: The study included 2960 children in one Norwegian county monitored from 5 to 12 years of age. Data were collected at clinical examinations, from dental records and by parental questionnaires. Length of recall intervals was dichotomized into short (shorter than 18 months) and long (18 months and longer). Data were analysed and tested using Chi-square statistics, correlation coefficient and multivariate regression. The study was ethically approved. Results: Recall intervals were individualized and varied from 4 to 30 months. The most frequent used recall intervals were 12, 18, 20 and 24 months. A majority of children at both ages were given long recall intervals. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the probability of having short interval was higher in children having caries experience than in caries-free children at both 5 years (OR 12.6 CI 9.9–16.0) and 12 years (OR 2.7 CI 2.3–3.1). At 5 years of age, length of recall intervals was associated with parents’ background (OR 1.8 CI 1.4–2.4) and parents’ education (OR 1.3 CI 1.0–1.5). Conclusions: The results showed that routine intervals were individualized and extended, indicating that more resources were spent on children with the highest need of dental care, aiming at reducing health inequalities.

• Wigen, Tove Irene; Winsnes, Karianne Ervik; Varatharajan, Rahavy & Wang, Nina Johanne (2019). Helsesøstres erfaring med kariesforebyggende arbeid hos barn under 3 år. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 129(5), p. 432–440. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Baumgartner, Christine Sophie & Wang, Nina Johanne (2018). Identification of caries risk in 2-year-olds. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. ISSN 0301-5661. 46(3), p. 297–302. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12366. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The first aim was to describe presence of plaque, caries and oral health behaviours in 2‐year‐old children. The second aim was to measure increments in caries experience from 2 to 5 years of age and to study whether national background, visible plaque, caries and oral health behaviour at 2 years of age were associated with increments in caries experience. Methods: The study population consisted of 392 children, of whom 211 were monitored from 2 to 5 years of age. At age 2 years, parents completed a questionnaire about family background and oral health behaviour. The presence of plaque and caries at tooth level was obtained from dental records. Data were tested with chi‐square statistics and Mann‐Whitney U test. Negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between caries increment between 2 and 5 years of age and national background, visible plaque, caries and oral health behaviour at 2 years of age. Results: Caries was found in 4.6% of 2‐year‐olds, and 4.6% had visible plaque. More than half of these children (57.9%) brushed twice daily, toothbrushing was introduced when the child was 7 months or older in 61.0% of the children, and 15.6% consumed sugary snacks daily. Non‐Western children more often had caries, visible plaque and unfavourable oral health behaviour than Western children (P < .05). At age 5 years, 28.9% of the children had caries experience. Non‐Western background, toothbrushing less than twice daily, not using fluoridated toothpaste, not using fluoride lozenges, consuming sugary drinks at night, consuming sugary snacks daily, presence of plaque and caries at 2 years of age were associated with caries increment between 2 and 5 years of age in bivariable analyses. The results from multivariable analysis showed that children who started toothbrushing late, children who brushed less than twice daily at 2 years of age and children of non‐Western background had a higher probability of having caries increment from 2 to 5 years of age than other children. Conclusions: A small proportion of 2‐year‐olds had caries, but these children had several decayed teeth. Substantial differences in oral health and oral health behaviour were found between Western and non‐Western children. The preventive care delivered to the studied children failed to prevent caries increment from 2 to 5 years of age.

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2017). Referral of young children to dental personnel by primary care nurses. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. ISSN 1601-5029. 15(3), p. 249–255. doi: 10.1111/idh.12238. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The objective was to evaluate established routines for referral of children by primary care nurses to the dental services and to study whether referred children younger than 3 years required contact with dental personnel. Methods: All children referred by primary care nurses to the dental services in one county during one year were included. Primary care nurses referred children using criteria developed by dental personnel. At the dental clinic, anamnestic information, dental health and oral health behaviour of the referred children were registered. Results: Altogether, 181 children were referred; 53% were younger than 3 years. The most frequent reasons for referral of children younger than 3 years were caries or dental plaque, and 34% had visible plaque accumulation and/or visible signs of caries. All referred children had at least one risk factor for caries. The referral reasons given by primary care nurses corresponded partly with findings at dental examination. The results indicated that 2% of the children younger than 3 years were referred to the dental services. Conclusion: The results indicated that by using established referral routines, all children referred from well-baby clinics to the dental services were caries risk children who required early contact with dental personnel. However, the low proportion of children in the studied population referred by primary care personnel may indicate under‐referral of children to the dental services. The final version of this research has been published in International Journal of Dental Hygiene. © 2016 Wiley

• Osvik, Cecilie; Årdal, Marte Rygg; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2017). Fluormotstand : er fluor som anbefales i kariesforebyggende arbeid skadelig? Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 127(9), p. 764–771. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2016). Health nurses' experiences and attitudes regarding collaboration with dental personnel. BMC Oral Health. 16. doi: 10.1186/s12903-016-0226-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Collaboration between primary care personnel and dental personnel to prevent early childhood caries has been established in several countries. The purpose of this study was, firstly, to describe health nurses’ experiences and attitudes regarding collaboration with dental personnel, and secondly, to identify characteristic of health nurses and health centres associated with the collaboration. Methods Health nurses working with children answered a questionnaire. In total, 163 of 296 health nurses (55 %) reported demographic information, referral routines, frequency of and reasons for referral of young children to dental personnel, contact with dental personnel and satisfaction with the collaboration. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Results The majority of health nurses (83 %) were familiar with referral routines and 31 % reported referring children to dental personnel monthly or more often. The most frequent reasons for referral were clinical caries (52 %), dental discolouration (38 %) and dental trauma (34 %). Few health nurses (18 %) had contact with dental personnel monthly or more often. Two-thirds of health nurses (71 %) reported being satisfied with the collaboration with dental personnel. Results of multivariate analysis showed that health nurses were more likely to refer children when the proportion of immigrant children under care in the health centres was high than when proportion of immigrant children was low (OR 6.4, CI 2.7–14.9). Health nurses working in small health centres were more likely to be satisfied with the collaboration than health nurses working in large health centres (OR 3.2, CI 1.4–7.0). Health nurses 45 years or older were more likely to possess knowledge of referral routines than younger health nurses (OR 2.7, CI 1.1–6.4). Conclusions The results indicated that the majority of health nurses possessed knowledge of collaboration routines and were satisfied with the collaboration. The proportion of immigrant children under care in the health centres, the size of the health centres and the age of health nurses were factors influencing the collaboration between primary care personnel and dental personnel.

• Baumgartner, Christine Sophie; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2016). Innkalling av toåringer til tannklinikk. Kariesutvikling fra to til fem år. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 126(8), p. 600–605. Full text in Research Archive
• Tsilingaridis, Georgios; Malmgren, Barbro; Andreasen, Jens O.; Wigen, Tove Irene; Aas, Anne-Lise Maseng & Malmgren, Olle (2016). Scandinavian multicenter study on the treatment of 168 patients with 230 intruded permanent teeth - a retrospective cohort study. Dental Traumatology. ISSN 1600-4469. 32(5), p. 353–360. doi: 10.1111/edt.12266. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2016). Caries-preventive self-care for children. Consistent oral Health messages to the public? International Journal of Dental Hygiene. ISSN 1601-5029. 15(2), p. 142–148. doi: 10.1111/idh.12196. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Runa; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2015). Ingen sammenheng mellom vekt og karies hos småbarn : oppsummering av internasjonal litteratur og en studie av norske femåringer. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 125(7), p. 620–624. Full text in Research Archive
• Aas, Anne-Lise Maseng; Wigen, Tove Irene & Skaare, Anne B (2015). Betydningen av riktig akuttbehandling ved traumer i det permanente tannsettet. In Holmstrup, Palle (Eds.), Aktuel Nordisk Odontologi 2015. Munksgaard Forlag. ISSN 9788762814363. p. 111–127. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2015). Does early establishment of favorable oral health behavior influence caries prevalence at age 5 years? Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6357. 73(3), p. 182–187. doi: 10.3109/00016357.2014.976264. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The purpose was to study associations between tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride lozenges and consumption of sugary drinks at 1.5 year of age and having caries experience at 5 years of age. Methods: This study was based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and by the Public Dental Services. A total of 1095 children were followed from pregnancy to the age of 5 years. Questionnaires regarding oral health behavior were completed by the parents at 1.5 and 5 years of age. Clinical and radiographic examination of the children was performed at the age of 5 years. Results: In multiple logistic regression, having caries experience at 5 years of age was associated with; at 1.5 year of age having the teeth brushed less than twice daily (OR 2.1, CI 1.3– 3.6) and being offered sugary drinks at least once a week (OR 1.8, CI 1.1–2.9) when controlled for family characteristics and oral health behavior at 5 years of age. Conclusions: Tooth brushing frequency and consumption of sugary drinks in early childhood were related to caries development during preschool age independent of family characteristics and oral health behavior at 5 years of age. The results indicate that early established habits regarding tooth brushing and consumption of sugary drinks have long term effects on caries development. Parents encountering difficulties in establishing favorable oral health behavior in children’s first years of life should receive special attention from health personnel. The final version of this research has been published in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. © 2015 Taylor & Francis

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2014). Health behaviors and family characteristics in early childhood influence caries development. A longitudinal study based on data from MoBa. Norsk Epidemiologi. ISSN 0803-2491. 24(1-2), p. 91–95. doi: 10.5324/nje.v24i1-2.1807. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Lifestyle diseases including dental caries are partly preventable, and associated with health behavior. Establishing favorable health behavior is one main challenge both in general and dental health services. The purpose of this paper was to focus on cross-disciplinary research that has the potential to prevent development of both dental caries and other lifestyle diseases. More specifically the aim was to study how family characteristics and health behavior in pregnancy and early childhood influence caries development in preschool children. Material and methods: Data from dental examination of 5 year old children in the public dental services was linked to data from MoBa. In total, 1348 children were followed from pregnancy to 5 years of age. The data has provided opportunity to follow longitudinally the development of oral health behavior in early childhood in a large sample, and to study associations between caries development during preschool age and information in the MoBa database. Results: Results from the studies showed that tooth brushing frequency established at 1.5 year of age was stable through preschool age. Caries development in preschool age was related to child and maternal risk behavior in early childhood and to characteristics of risk families. Conclusion: Cross-disciplinary research using MoBa data has given new knowledge on dental caries development in early childhood in Norway. This knowledge can be used in clinical practice both in general and dental health services to improve preventive efforts towards early childhood caries and other lifestyle diseases.

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2014). Tooth brushing frequency and use of fluoride lozenges in children from 1.5 to 5 years of age: A longitudinal study. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. ISSN 0301-5661. 42(5), p. 395–403. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12094. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: The purpose of the analyses was to study development, stability and changes in oral health behaviour; tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride lozenges and fluoridated tooth paste in children from 1.5 to 5 years of age, and to study associations between oral health behaviour and family characteristics. Methods: This study was based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and data from the Public Dental Services. A total of 771 children were followed from 1.5 to 5 years of age. Questionnaires regarding oral health behaviour in children were completed by the parents three times during preschool age. Results: More than half of the children (52%) had their teeth brushed twice daily at 1.5 years of age, increasing to 61% at 3 years and 76% at 5 years of age. At 1.5 years of age 37% of the children used fluoride lozenges daily, increasing to 74% at 3 years and 75% at 5 years of age. The majority of the children who had started brushing twice daily and used fluoride lozenges daily at 1.5 year of age continued these behaviours until the age of 5 years. At 1.5 years of age, children who brushed twice daily were more likely to use fluoride lozenges daily than children who brushed less frequently (p = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression showed that the probability of a child having its teeth brushed twice daily continuously during preschool age was higher when both parents were of western origin (OR 4.0, CI 1.3 – 11.9) than when one or both parents were of nonwestern origin. Children with one older sibling brushed more frequently (OR 1.4, CI 1.0 – 1.9) and used fluoride lozenges more often (OR 1.6, CI 1.1 – 2.2) during preschool age than children without older siblings. Conclusions: Oral health behaviour established in early life was stable during preschool age. The results indicate that tooth brushing frequency and use of fluoride lozenges were not in accordance with the present recommendations based on the scientific literature. The teeth of Norwegian pre-schoolers were brushed less frequently than recommended, and more children than recommended were using fluoride lozenges. The final version of this research has been published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. © 2014 Wiley

• Næss, Elisabeth R.; Moan, Karoline A; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2014). Småbarnsforeldre og tannhelseinformasjon. Spørreundersøkelse i en barnehage i Oslo. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 124(4), p. 284–288. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2012). Parental influences on dental caries development in preschool children. An overview with emphasis on recent Norwegian research. Norsk Epidemiologi. ISSN 0803-2491. 22(1), p. 13–19. doi: 10.5324/nje.v22i1.1515. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The proportion of Norwegian preschool children with dental caries experience has decreased during the last decades and the caries distribution has become skewed. Some children develop caries in early life, and caries may affect body weight, growth and quality of life in children. The social environment influences child development, including the risk for developing dental caries. The purpose of this paper was to summarize knowledge from the literature regarding parental influence on caries development in preschool children with focus on recent Norwegian research based on the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study. The results from the literature review showed that characteristics of the family and parental oral health behaviours and lifestyle may be associated with caries development in preschool children. These associations were recently confirmed in the Norwegian setting with low caries prevalence in children, high educational level in the population, and comprehensive dental service free of charge for children. In conclusion, the literature establishes associations between parental factors that are known during pregnancy and early parenthood and caries development in early childhood. These risk indicators may be used by health care personnel to identify risk children and target preventive care at children before dental caries has developed.

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2011). Maternal health and lifestyle and caries experience in preschool children. A longitudinal study from pregnancy to age 5 yr. European Journal of Oral Sciences. ISSN 0909-8836. 119, p. 463–468. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2011.00862.x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In this study, associations were explored between maternal health and lifestyle during pregnancy and in early motherhood, and preschool children’s caries experience. The study was based on the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and on data from the Public Dental Services. A total of 1348 children were followed from pregnancy to age 5 yr. A clinical dental examination was performed at age 5 yr. Questionnaires were completed by the mothers during pregnancy and in the first 18 months of their child’s life, and as part of the dental examination. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that having an obese mother (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1), a mother who consumed a diet containing more fat (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) or sugar (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3) than recommended, a mother with low education (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3) or one or both parents of non‐western origin (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.8–10.6) were statistically significant risk indicators for caries experience at age 5 yr. In conclusion, maternal weight and intake of sugar and fat in pregnancy were associated with caries experience in preschool children. These characteristics may enable early referral to the dental services and preventive care to be delivered. The final version of this research has been published in European Journal of Oral Sciences. © 2011 Wiley

• Wigen, Tove Irene; Espelid, Ivar; Skaare, Anne B & Wang, Nina Johanne (2011). Family characteristics and caries experience in preschool children. A longitudinal study from pregnancy to 5 years of age. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. ISSN 0301-5661. 39(4), p. 311–317. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2010.00596.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Foreldrefaktorer og kariesutvikling hos barn før fem års alder :. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 120(15), p. 1044–1048. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Caries and background factors in Norwegian and immigrant 5-year-old children. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. ISSN 0301-5661. 38(1), p. 19–28. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2009.00502.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Hvordan ser femåringenes tenner ut? Karieserfaring i primære tannsett. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 120(3), p. 170–174. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Hvordan ser 5-åringenes tenner ut? Tannstikka : tidsskrift for Norsk tannpleierforening. ISSN 1501-8636. p. 21–26. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Espelid, Ivar; Skaare, Anne B & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Family characteristics and caries experience in preschool children.A longitudinal study from pregnancy to five years of age. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. ISSN 0301-5661. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2010.00596.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Skaret, Erik & Wang, Nina Johanne (2009). Dental avoidance behaviour in parent and child as risk indicators for caries in 5-year-old children. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. ISSN 0960-7439. 19, p. 431–437. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-263X.2009.01014.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Agnalt, Reidun & Jacobsen, Ingeborg (2008). Intrusive luxation of permanent incisors in Norwegians aged 6-17 years: a retrospective study of treatment and outcome. Dental Traumatology. ISSN 1600-4469. 24(6), p. 612–618. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2008.00686.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Røssnes, Kristin & Storhaug, Kari (1995). Prader Willi syndrom og tannhelse. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 105(7), p. 360–362. Full text in Research Archive

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• Afzal, Sadaf Haque; Skaare, Anne B; Wigen, Tove Irene & Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen (2024). Molar-incisor hypomineralization affects oral health-related quality of life in 8–9-year-old children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Sogn, Ingunn Marie Frested (2024). Preservation of Pulp Vitality after Multiple Traumas Requiring Extensive and Long-lasting Treatment. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2024). Use of dental floss did not prevent interproximal caries increment in Norwegian teenagers. Full text in Research Archive
• Sapina, Sanja; Wigen, Tove Irene & Rønneberg, Anne (2024). Use of Conscious Sedation and General Anaesthesia for Dental Treatment - Dentists’ Attitudes and Practice. Full text in Research Archive
• Rønneberg, Anne; Wigen, Tove Irene; Strøm, Kjetil; Jacobsen, Arne Eldor Tvedt & Willumsen, Tiril (2023). Tannbehandling ved hjelp av lystgass-sedasjon. Aktuell Nordisk odontologi. ISSN 1902-3545. 48(1), p. 186–201. doi: 10.18261/ano.48.1.13. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Lystgass er svært egnet som sedasjonsmiddel ved tannbehandling til kooperative pasienter. Det kan titreres individuelt, effekten kommer raskt og kort etter avsluttet behandling er lystgassen ute av kroppen. Sedasjon med lystgass skal utføres i kombinasjon med psykologiske teknikker, med fokus på pasientmedvirkning, kontroll og god kommunikasjon samt adekvat smertekontroll. Lystgass demper uro, gir bløtvevsanalgesi og er et nyttig hjelpemiddel ved forebygging av angstinduserte opplevelser, behandling av pasienter med tannbehandlingsangst, brekninger og/eller ufrivillige muskelsammentrekninger samt for multimorbide pasienter med fare for legemiddelinterraksjoner ved bruk av benzodiazepiner. Følgelig er lystgass et utmerket verktøy i dagens odontologiske praksis med søkelys på smertefri tannbehandling samt forebygging og behandling av tannbehandlingsfrykt, -angst og -fobi.

• Afzal, Sadaf Haque; Wigen, Tove Irene; Skaare, Anne B & Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen (2023). Molar incisor hypomineralization in Norwegian children: Distribution, severity and hypersensitivity. Full text in Research Archive
• Anjum, Faiza Sarwar; Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen & Wigen, Tove Irene (2022). Prognosis of non-vital anterior teeth treated with apexification using bioceramic apical plug. Full text in Research Archive
• Afzal, Sadaf Haque; Wigen, Tove Irene; Skaare, Anne B & Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen (2022). Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Norwegian children: Prevalence and associated factors. Full text in Research Archive
• Östenson, Pernilla Odile Malin; Clasen, Anne Beate Sønju & Wigen, Tove Irene (2022). Characteristics of patients in need of dental treatment under general anesthesia. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) is an option when conventional treatment cannot be accomplished due to un-cooperation and systemic or intellectual disabilities. Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe characteristics of and dental treatment needs in patients referred for dental treatment under GA in the Public Dental Services in Oslo. Methods: All patients receiving dental treatment under GA in 2016 were included. Data was extracted from dental records and included: age, health conditions, reason for referral, recorded symptoms, dmft/DMFT and received treatment. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The study was performed as part of quality assurance system required by law in the dental services, and did not require ethical approval. Anonymized data was recorded. Results: In total 173 patients aged 2-71 years were included. Half, 95 patients (55%), were children and adolescents. The majority, 141 patients (82%), had one or more medical disorders, whereas 32 patients (18%) were medically healthy. The most common medical disorder was intellectual disability followed by epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), genetic syndromes and cerebral palsy. Sixteen genetic syndromes were registered; Downs syndrome was most common. Barriers for conventional treatment were dental behavior management problems, anxiety, immaturity, spasm and gagging. The most frequent dental reason for referral was caries (97 patients (56%)). In 55 patients (32%), patients or caregivers reported oral symptoms. Mean dmft for preschool children (≤5 years) was 8.5 (SD 5.9), for children and adolescents 3.1 (SD 3.3) and for adults (>18 years) 12.5 (SD 11.9). Restorative treatment was performed in 141 patients (82%) and extractions in 107 (62%). Other dental treatments were endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, surgical, orthodontic and prophylactic treatments. Conclusion: Treatment in GA was received by a heterogenic group with varied and extensive treatment needs. The majority of patients treated under GA had intellectual disability.

• Brusevold, Ingvild Johnsen; Wigen, Tove Irene; Afzal, Sadaf Haque & Skaare, Anne B (2021). Hvorfor får barn emaljefeil? Aktuell Nordisk odontologi. ISSN 1902-3545. 46(1), p. 148–161. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Emaljefeil kan ses som lokale eller generelle misfarginger, såkaltekvalitative defekter, eller somkvantitative defekterhvor emaljener generelt tynn, manglende eller har furer, groper og ujevnstruktur. Årsaker kan være lokale påvirkninger, generellepåvirkninger eller genetiske endringer. Lokale påvirkninger somtanntraumer i melketannsettet gir ofte emaljefeil i det permanentetannsettet. Generelle påvirkninger som alvorlig sykdom undertanndannelsen, D-vitaminmangel og forgiftninger kan gi uliketyper emaljefeil. Mutasjoner i spesifikke emaljegener eller andregener som bidrar i embryogenese kan gi utviklingsforstyrrelser itannemalje. Mange emaljefeil av typen MIH kan ikke forklares ved noen av de nevnte faktorene, og det forskes på andre hittil ukjenteårsaksfaktorer.

• Baumgartner, Christine Sophie; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2018). Oral health behaviour and background characteristics in Norwegian 12-year-olds. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Children in Norway are offered oral health care free of charge from birth. Aim: To explore oral health behaviour in 12-year-old children and to study association between oral health behaviour and family characteristics. Methods: All children (7595) in one Norwegian county were in 2014 invited to participate in the study as part of the routine dental visit at 12 years of age. The included children (4779) completed a questionnaire regarding family characteristics; parental background, parental education, family status and gender. Oral health behaviour included tooth brushing frequency, use of dental floss, use of fluoride supplements and sugar snacking. Data were analysed using Chi square statistics and logistic regression. Informed consent was obtained from parents, and the investigation was approved by an ethics committee (2013/1881/REK sør-øst). Results: Of the children included in the study, 3867 (81%) brushed twice daily, 1726 (36%) used dental floss once a week or more often, 1842 (39%) used fluoride supplements daily and 2292 (48%) reported consuming sugar between meals once a week or less often. Children who brushed twice daily more often used dental floss regularly, used fluoride supplements daily and consumed sugar between meals less frequently than other children (p<0.05). Girls and children having parents with a high level of education more often had favourable oral health behaviour than other children, brushed more frequently, more often used dental floss and fluoride supplements and sugar snacked less often than boys (p<0.05). Conclusions: In the population studied, associations between favourable oral health behaviours were found. Oral health behaviour was associated with family characteristics.

• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2018). Do child characteristics influence recall intervals for Norwegian children? Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Children in Norway are offered regular dental services free of charge. Aim: To explore changes in recall intervals for children aged 5 to 12 years, and study associations with caries experience, parents’ national background and education and recall intervals. Methods: This longitudinal study included 2960 children in one county in Norway monitored from 5 to 12 years of age. Data were collected at clinical examinations, from dental records and by parental questionnaires. Dentists and dental hygienists performed the examinations. Intra- and interexaminer agreements were tested and calculated using Cohen’s kappa showing substantial to almost perfect agreements. Length of recall intervals was dichotomised into short (shorter than 18 months) and long (18 months and longer). Data were analysed using Chi-square statistics and logistic regression (SPSS, version 24). Informed consent was obtained from parents and the study was approved by an ethics committee (REC/2013/1881). Results: Recall intervals varied from 4 to 24 months, mean 18.2 (SD 4.2) at 5 years of age, and mean 17.2 (SD 3.8) at 12 years of age. Among the 704 children with short recall intervals at 5 years of age half (366) still had short intervals at age 12 years. Among the 2256 children with long recall intervals at age 5 years, the majority (1613) had long intervals at 12 years of age. Multivariate logistic regression analyses controlled for caries experience and characteristics of children showed that the probability of having short interval was higher in children having caries experience than in caries-free children at both 5 years (OR 12.6 CI 9.9-16.0) and 12 years (OR 2.7 CI 2.3-3.1). In addition, at 5 years of age, length of recall intervals was associated with parents’ national background (OR 1.8 CI 1.4-2.4) and parents’ education (OR 1.3 CI 1.0-1.5). Conclusions: In the population studied, the majority of children had long recall intervals at both ages. The results indicated that recall intervals were associated with caries prevalence and that family characteristics influenced recall intervals in preschool children more strongly than in older children.

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2018). Response to Letter to Editor “Referral of young children to dental personnel by primary care nurses”. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. ISSN 1601-5029. 16(1), p. 175–175. doi: 10.1111/idh.12270. Full text in Research Archive
• Sæthre-Sundli, Helene Borghild; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2018). Caries development in Norwegian Children aged 5 to 12 years. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Children in Norway are offered all dental services free of charge. Aim: To describe caries prevalence in children aged 5 and 12 years and to explore caries development from 5 to 12 years. Methods: All 7002 children born in 2002 in one Norwegian county were invited to attend for a dental examination when they were 5 years old and were offered a re-examination at 12 years of age. Data were collected by clinical examinations and extracted from dental records. Caries was recorded as enamel caries (grades d1 and d2) and dentine caries (grades d3 to d5). At age 5 years, caries was registered in primary teeth, and at 12 years, only caries in permanent teeth was registered. A dentist and dental hygienists in the community dental services performed the examinations. Inter- and intra-examiner agreements were assessed by Cohen’s kappa and showed substantial to almost perfect agreements. Informed consent was obtained from parents and the study approved by an ethics committee (notification 2013/1881). Results: 5623 children were examined at 5 years of age of whom 3282 were re-examined at 12 years of age. At age 5 years, 510 (15%) of the children had dentine caries, and at age 12 years 1060 (32%) of the children had dentine caries. Enamel caries was registered in 689 (21%) of the children at age 5 years and 1542 (47%) at age 12 years. The longitudinal results showed that 1998 (61%) of the children had no caries at both ages. Of children that were caries free at age 5 years, 774 (24%) developed caries from 5 to 12 years of age. Children with caries at both ages had more surfaces with caries 3.1 (SD 2.6) than other children 2.2 (SD 1.8) at age 12 years (p<0.05). Conclusions: In the population studied, the majority had no caries. Children with caries at 5 years developed more caries between 5 and 12 years of age than other children. The results indicate that the dental care offered to children in this period failed to prevent these children from developing caries.

• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2017). Dental flossing behavior and approximal caries in teenagers. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2017). Recall intervals and caries experience in children. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2017). Response to letter to editor 'Caries preventive self-care for children. Consistent oral health messages to the public?'. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. ISSN 1601-5029. 15(3), p. 257–257. doi: 10.1111/idh.12218. Full text in Research Archive
• Hansen, Christine Kristoffersen; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2016). Hvor ofte bør du gå til tannlegen? [Internet]. lommelegen.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Baumgartner, Christine Sophie & Wang, Nina Johanne (2015). Caries Development from 2 to 5 years of Age. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2015). Public Health Nurses and Oral Health Promotion for Preschool Children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wang, Nina Johanne; Wigen, Tove Irene & Angell, Mona-Lisa (2014). Barnet som ble kastet ut med badevannet. [Journal]. Barnehagefolk. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Wang, Nina Johanne & Elsness, Maria (2014). Nei, alle barn trenger ikke fluortabletter. [Internet]. NRK - livvstil. Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2014). Public health nurses' opinions on collaboration between public health centres and dental services. Full text in Research Archive
• Næss, Elisabeth R.; Moan, Karoline A.; Wang, Nina Johanne & Wigen, Tove Irene (2014). Parents and oral health information. Full text in Research Archive
• Das, Runa; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2014). Association between weight and caries in children? A review and a study of Norwegian 5-year-olds. Full text in Research Archive
• Veka, Camilla & Wigen, Tove Irene (2014). Unngå at barnet ditt gjør dette. [Internet]. nrk.no\livsstil. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2013). Are public health nurses able to identify children with caries risk? Full text in Research Archive
• Løken, Sonja Yr; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2013). Preventive oral care for children. Information sources and opinions of dental personnel and public health nurses. Full text in Research Archive
• Hauge, Charlote & Wigen, Tove Irene (2013). Barn og tannhelse. Begynn tidlig med tannpussen. [Internet]. klikk.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Færø, Marthe Kaasa; Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2013). Gap opp! Ja, melketenner faller ut etter hvert. Men det er viktig å ta godt vare på dem likevel. [Journal]. Foreldre og barn. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2013). Early establishment of oral health behaviours and dental caries development. Full text in Research Archive
• Aas, Anne-Lise Maseng & Wigen, Tove Irene (2012). Re-eruption of two severely intruded incisors. A case report. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2012). Oral hygiene and fluoride supplements in children aged 1.5-5 years. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2011). Født med karies? Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2011). Karies og risikoutvelgelse. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2011). Mother's health and lifestyle in pregnancy and early life as risk indicator for caries in preschool children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Espelid, Ivar; Skaare, Anne B & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Family characteristics in early life and caries in 5-year-olds. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2010). Autisme og tannbehandling. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Espelid, Ivar; Skaare, Anne B & Wang, Nina Johanne (2010). Family characteristics and caries experience in preschool children. A longitudinal study from pregnancy to five years of age. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Agnalt, Reidun & Jacobsen, Ingeborg (2009). Invalid results because of inappropriate statistical analyses. Treatment recommendations still in question - Response from the authors. Dental Traumatology. ISSN 1600-4469. 25(3), p. 352–352. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2009.00775_2.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2009). Autisme og tannbehandling - Utfordringer og muligheter i klinikken. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene; Skaret, Erik & Wang, Nina Johanne (2009). Dental avoidance behaviour as risk indicator for caries in 5-year-old children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2009). Recall intervals and dental health in 5-year-old children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2009). Utviklingsforstyrrelser i tannemalje. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove & Wang, Nina Johanne (2008). Dental caries in 5-year-olds and parent-related factors. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove & Wang, Nina Johanne (2008). Dental caries and parent-related factors in 5-year old children. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2008). Karies hos 5-åringer. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2008). Utviklingsforstyrrelser i tannemalje. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2007). Caries risk indicators in five-year-olds. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene (2005). Utfordringer i spesialistens hverdag. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove; Agnalt, Reidun & Jacobsen, Ingeborg (2005). Intrusive luxation of permanent incisors: a retrospective study of treatment and outcome. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Sundnes, Sissel Koller (2005). Tannhelse og cerebral parese. CP bladet. ISSN 0801-4752. p. 16–19. Full text in Research Archive
• Isene, Bibbi & Wigen, Tove Irene (1995). Munnstimulering - en utfordring for tannhelsepersonell. Tannstikka : tidsskrift for Norsk tannpleierforening. ISSN 1501-8636. p. 11–12. Full text in Research Archive
• Wigen, Tove Irene & Wang, Nina Johanne (2011). Caries risk indicators in preschool children : Maternal and family conditions in pregnancy and early childhood and dental caries development in preschool children. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Caries risk indicators in preschool children. Maternal and family conditions in pregnancy and early childhood and dental caries development in preschool children.<br><br> Caries prevalence in preschool children in Norway has decreased during the last thirty years, and the distribution of the disease has become skewed with a smaller proportion having many lesions and a greater proportion having no lesions. Early identification of children at risk of developing caries is desirable so that preventive advice may be put in place before clinical caries become apparent. <br> The main purpose was to study factors contributing to early identification of children at risk of developing caries, and especially, structural characteristics of the family and maternal health and lifestyle during pregnancy and the child's early life, and caries development in preschool children.<br> The thesis is based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study and the Public Dental Services. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, following the children from before birth to 5 years of age, were conducted. Data were collected using questionnaires during the mother's pregnancy and the child's early years, and at the dental examination at 5 years of age. <br> More than 80% of the 5-year-old children had no dentine caries experience, and 10% of the children had five or more teeth with dentine caries experience. A social gradient in caries prevalence in 5-year-old children was found. The high-risk group was children of non-western origin with parents with short education. A change in family situation before five years of age increased the risk of caries development in children. Parental tooth-brushing habits and attitudes to tooth-brushing, missed dental appointments in children and maternal lifestyle during pregnancy and in early childhood were associated with caries development. <br> Characteristics of the family and maternal lifestyle during pregnancy and in early childhood can be used as caries risk indicators in preschool children, and may increase the possibility of targeting preventive care at those with the highest risk of dental caries.

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