Evaluation of mothers’ dental caries and attitudes and their impact on infants’ oral health

Resumo

Objective: The early childhood is an important period since during this stage there is establishment of the diet and hygienic habits that will influence the oral health condition of the individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of mothers regarding diet and oral hygiene provided to their sons and the impact of these attitudes on their prevalence of caries. In addition the influence of mother’s prevalence of caries in the dmfs-index of their children was studied. Methods: A sample of 132 babies was selected; dental plaque status (index of Quigley/Hein) and the dmfs-index were evaluated. Mother’s DMFS-index was evaluated and a questionnaire was applied. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test and bivariate statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results: Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that oral hygiene of infants was performed by mothers in 97% of cases and the mean plaque index of infants was 2.4. With regard to diet, 59% had a cariogenic diet. Dental caries was not found in 58% of infants, yet their mean dmfs-index was 2.3, and the mean DMFS-index of mothers was 41.3. The bivariate statistical analysis showed no significantly association of the caries index between mothers and babies (p<0,05). It was also observed no correlation between diet/hygienic habits and babies’ dmfs. Conclusion: None of mothers’ attitudes regarding diet and oral hygiene or their caries prevalence had an impact on infants’ oral health; these data reinforce the multifactor and complex etiology of the disease and the need of multiples preventive measures.