Do expectant mothers know how early childhood caries can be prevented? A cross-sectional study

Aim To evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and beliefs about early childhood caries (ECC) among a sample of expectant mothers and to determine their preferences to help design appropriate interventions. Methods Expectant mothers attending for antenatal care at a large public hospital were interviewed and asked to complete a questionnaire about ECC. The questionnaire was pre-tested and validated and contained questions about risk factors, presentations, management, and complications of ECC. Participants were also asked about their preferred method for oral health education about ECC. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows release and descriptive statistics were generated. Results Four-hundred expectant mothers were approached and 380 (95%) agreed to participate. 59% reported brushing twice or more daily, but only 10% attended the dentist regularly. Only 16% thought that tooth brushing should start as soon as primary teeth erupt. Most (68%) thought that bottle feeding does not need to stop before the age of two. The majority believed that sugar is better consumed between meals (81%) and in portions throughout the day (85%). Only 12% thought that a child should have their first dental visit by the age of one. Educational level influenced knowledge on several aspects of ECC prevention. The participants suggested leaflets (38%) and social media (24%) as methods for oral-health-education delivery. Conclusion Expectant mothers lack adequate knowledge about ECC prevention. There is a need for interventions that deliver advice on child toothbrushing, dietary practices, and dental attendance as part of wider general-health promotion.