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The association between dental caries experience and socioeconomic status, as reflected in income and educational level, is well known. However, some individuals maintain good health despite socioeconomic disadvantage. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore salutogenic (health-promoting) factors among healthy caries-free young adults of low socioeconomic status. Seventeen participants (11 women), 19-23 years of age, who were caries-free and of low socioeconomic status were interviewed in-depth. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. The theme revealed was 'Building trust and shifting responsibility from parent to child throughout children's development lays the salutogenic foundation for oral health', comprising three categories: (i) a basis for health; (ii) creating one's own path by testing wings; and (iii) developing resources for health. A feeling of trust was expressed, participants were confident in the unconditional support of their caregivers, and caregivers were trusting participants to be able to take control over their own oral health. Health-promotive factors were established not only by instilling healthy habits during childhood, but also by parental guidance through adolescence, enabling young adults to develop resources and assets to take control over their own health independently., (© 2024 The Authors. European Journal of Oral Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Scandinavian Division of the International Association for Dental Research.)

More than 2.8 billion individuals worldwide suffer from untreated caries. Over ninety-five percent of all 50-year-olds in Sweden have caries experience. Caries is the most common cause of dental restorations and tooth loss. Tooth loss is associated with cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and death. Periapical tooth infections caused by caries can spread and cause severe infection, however rarely with lethal outcome. Sugars are a common risk factor for caries and other noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.  Caries is a consequence of sugar-provoked acid production and dysbiosis in the tooth biofilm (dental plaque). There are several conditions which may increase the risk for dental caries, such as different medical conditions and medications which may cause dry mouth. Treatment costs for caries are high.