Evaluation of an Early Childhood Caries Preventive Program Stretching from Pregnancy, in Areas with Low Socioeconomic Status in Sweden: 12-Month Results

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective controlled intervention study was to evaluate an Early Childhood Caries (ECC) prevention program from pregnancy to 12 months of age. Pregnant women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Sweden received an individual interdisciplinary ECC prevention program consisting of oral health promoting talks using motivational interviewing technique. Findings show a tendency towards a decrease in the proportion of children with high risk of ECC in the intervention group, although non-significant. The program reached a higher proportion of mothers, whose children had increased risk of ECC, with an oral health message during pregnancy compared to ordinary routines.