Marina Sousa Azevedo1, Ana Regina Romano2, Iná da Silva Dos Santos3, Maximiliano Sergio Cenci4. 1. Infant Clinic, Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil., Email: marinasazevedo@hotmail.com. 2. Infant Clinic, Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 3. Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 4. Operative Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to assess mothers' knowledge and beliefs about early childhood caries (ECC) etiology and prevention. METHODS: This cross-sectional study targeted mothers (N=277) of zero- to 12-month-olds visiting 12 public health care centers in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Information on causes of and recommendations to prevent ECC, as well as socioeconomic and demographic variables, was collected. Chi-square, univariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed (P<.05). RESULTS: Sugar intake and lack of oral hygiene were the most frequently mentioned causes of caries. Ninety percent of the mothers were aware of the need to begin tooth-brushing during their children's first year. Mothers who had more children and were in lower socioeconomic positions were more likely to not know the correct age for the first dental visit. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that mothers do not know all the factors that can influence caries in their children. None reported the role of micro-organisms and lack of fluoride in the caries etiology. These findings highlight the importance of providing preventive orientation to the mothers regarding early childhood caries. Information on age of first dental visit should be emphasized, especially among mothers with more than one child and low-income families.
PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to assess mothers' knowledge and beliefs about early childhood caries (ECC) etiology and prevention. METHODS: This cross-sectional study targeted mothers (N=277) of zero- to 12-month-olds visiting 12 public health care centers in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Information on causes of and recommendations to prevent ECC, as well as socioeconomic and demographic variables, was collected. Chi-square, univariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed (P<.05). RESULTS:Sugar intake and lack of oral hygiene were the most frequently mentioned causes of caries. Ninety percent of the mothers were aware of the need to begin tooth-brushing during their children's first year. Mothers who had more children and were in lower socioeconomic positions were more likely to not know the correct age for the first dental visit. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that mothers do not know all the factors that can influence caries in their children. None reported the role of micro-organisms and lack of fluoride in the caries etiology. These findings highlight the importance of providing preventive orientation to the mothers regarding early childhood caries. Information on age of first dental visit should be emphasized, especially among mothers with more than one child and low-income families.