Microbiology-Based Instruction during Prenatal Dental Visits Improves Perinatal Oral Health Literacy

Abstract

To improve oral hygiene education, we evaluated the perception and potential impact of microbiology-focused oral hygiene instructions (OHI) given to pregnant patients. Dental hygienists provided this supplemental education and administered Saliva-Check Mutans (SCM) tests to pregnant patients (n = 188) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) settings. Patients reported their self-perceived understanding of the relationship between oral bacteria and dental disease and returned postdelivery to receive a second SCM test and follow-up questionnaire (n = 47). Prior to the hygienist instruction, 84% of participants understood that bacteria caused tooth decay, while only 36% understood they could transfer these bacteria to their children. After instruction, patient understanding increased to 97% and 95%, respectively. Participants attributed these increases to the hygienist’s explanation and SCM test. In postdelivery participants, >80% reported adherence to routine oral hygiene practices, and a significant decrease in patients with high-risk levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans was determined by SCM test (p = 0.0253). Participants agreed that the SCM test (89%) and microbiology explanation (95%) should be provided to every pregnant patient. Evaluation of patient perception of this intervention highlights how focused instruction on the infectious nature of dental disease can increase perinatal oral health literacy. Microbiology-focused education should be given to pregnant patients to reduce oral health disparities.

Enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental caries in mothers and caregivers of children through a neuroeducational strategy

“…The experimental component of the strategy, which included demonstrating the presence of bacteria on the teeth and the effect of toothpaste in reducing them, played a significant role in the positive results, especially in reducing dental biofilm in children. Several studies have reported the impact of demonstrating the presence of dental biofilm and bacteria in the oral cavity on the oral hygiene practices of participants or their children [ 35 , 44 ]. For example, a study by Thomson et al in 2022 showed that implementing oral hygiene instructions along with microbiological explanations and demonstrations increased adherence to hygiene practices and improved understanding of the relationship between oral bacteria and dental disease among pregnant patients [ 44 ].…”

“…Several studies have reported the impact of demonstrating the presence of dental biofilm and bacteria in the oral cavity on the oral hygiene practices of participants or their children [ 35 , 44 ]. For example, a study by Thomson et al in 2022 showed that implementing oral hygiene instructions along with microbiological explanations and demonstrations increased adherence to hygiene practices and improved understanding of the relationship between oral bacteria and dental disease among pregnant patients [ 44 ].…”

Oral Health Behaviours, Knowledge, and Literacy of Expectant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study among Maternity Ward Patients

“…In addition, research shows that women may not fully understand the mechanism of transmitting caries between family members. For instance, only 36% of pregnant patients surveyed in the USA knew that a mother could infect her child [ 54 ]. This may indicate that educational interventions stressing the aetiology of caries could lead to a better understanding of the health problem and possibly motivate mothers to prevent infections [ 54 ] by eliminating such practices as cleaning a dummy with the mother’s mouth or sharing feeding utensils.…”

“…It could be expected that patients lacking knowledge of the role of bacteria in dental caries may also be unaware of the importance of regular oral hygiene practices [ 54 ]. In the presented study, the average percentage of correct answers in the relevant (i.e., time) section of OHK16 was 74.7% (±20.6%), which is a markedly better score than in the bacteria section.…”