Knowledge of Breastfeeding Mothers Regarding Caries Prevention in Toddlers

Abstract

Mothers’ awareness regarding the risk factors for the development of early childhood caries is crucial. The current study aims to examine the knowledge of breastfeeding mothers about their baby’s dental health and prevention of ECC while comparing primiparous mothers to multiparous mothers. A total of 165 mothers aged 20–49 y/o participated in the study by completing questionnaires that assessed the knowledge and attitudes of mothers toward their infants’ oral health. Results showed that (1) mothers were found to be highly knowledgeable regarding the oral hygiene of their infants and the recommended breastfeeding best practices (71%); (2) mothers with lower education showed poor knowledge regarding the recommended practices of infant oral health; (3) a large proportion of the mothers in the sample (62%) reported that they usually tasted the food before giving it to their baby, in a way they could transmit bacteria to infants; (4) most of the mothers (68%) were not aware that their dental health during pregnancy affects the infants’ dental health; and (5) multiparous mothers were more knowledgeable regarding artificial baby milk composition (96%) in comparison with mothers with only a single child (60%). According to the results, there is a need to improve the knowledge of breastfeeding mothers, especially mothers who have one child and mothers with a lower education about their baby’s dental health. The results of this study shed light on the knowledge of breastfeeding mothers on this important topic and could serve policymakers to improve practices toward advancing better oral health for infants, without sacrificing the benefits of breastfeeding, which are so crucial for infant health and development.

Influence of Tooth Brushing and Previous Dental Visits on Dental Caries Status among Saudi Arabian Children

“…Parental education on preventive approaches to dental caries was also reported to have a significant role in reducing caries burden among their children [ 61 , 62 ]. Regular dental visits, tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, and frequent professional fluoride applications may have a significant role in reducing the caries burden among children in primary dentition [ 63 , 64 , 65 ]. Children need the support of their families and caregivers as they learn to choose and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including proper nutrition and dental care [ 66 ].…”

Breastfeeding: A pediatric Dentistry Approach

“…During the first years of life, children can be kept safe from deadly pathogens simply by adequate breastfeeding [15] . Breast milk also significantly reduces the risk of developing acute and chronic diseases [16] . Breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of obesity [17] .…”