Dental experiences and parenting practices of Native American mothers and caretakers: what we can learn for the prevention of baby bottle tooth decay.

This study attempts to gather information concerning the dental experiences, beliefs, and parenting practices of Native Americans. Five Native American women were trained to conduct interviews in their own language. After pilot testing, seventeen questions were asked. Sixty-two interviews were taperecorded and transcribed. Content analysis was performed on the transcriptions. Results indicate maternal and caretaker upset and displeasure with the dental experiences of adults and children. Fear and pain were prominent. Parenting practices indicate children are expected to clean their own teeth at about a year of age and parental awareness of risks associated with sleeping with a bottle. About half of the mothers and caretakers who used a bottle as a pacifier report engaging in one or more protective activities such as removing the bottle when the child falls asleep. Mothers and caretakers with greater parenting experience are likelier to be aware of these protective activities. In conclusion, results of this study highlight the importance of providing positive dental experiences for mothers and caretakers and the need to be aware of actual parenting practices before making recommendations or counseling mothers or caretakers.