Parents looking to limit the chances of their child needing emergency dentistry could be interested in the findings from a new study.

According to the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), mothers with poor oral health could pass on the same issues to their children in later life.

The research, conducted by scientists in New Zealand, revealed that 45.1 per cent of youngsters whose mothers had dental health problems suffered from severe tooth decay.

Strengthening the belief that oral health is affected by genetic and environmental factors, the research consisted of over 1,000 children born in 1972 and 1973.

"We must target parents to educate their children in the hope they can better their own oral health and pass the message on to future generations," remarked Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF.

The findings emerged after previous research established a link between women with gum disease and difficulty with conception.