Caries is one of the most common childhood disease processes, with over 50% of children in the western world having at least one cavity or filling, and the number rising to 78% by the time the child reaches adulthood. Caries has a prevalence rate five times higher than asthma (Peterson et al., 2011) and is a common cause of tooth loss in adults (Phipps and Stevens, 1995). It is a dynamic process beginning with tooth surface loss that eventually leads to cavities. Untreated caries can lead to pain, swelling, abscesses and in extreme cases, systemic blood infection (Monse et al., 2009). In western developed countries, the diet of adolescent populations is very rich in carbonated drinks and high-carbohydrate snack foods, also associated with a higher caries risk (Majewski, 2001). Although caries is a physical condition many psychosocial factors are involved, such as attitudes and behaviour re: oral hygiene, education level and access to dental care. Over and above other physical causes of adolescent caries (poor oral health, poor diet and subsequent chemical processes) maternal psychosocial factors are also an indicator of subsequent caries experience in their adolescent children (Nelson et al, 2012).