Prevention Program Development and Evaluation of Advancement of Caries in Pregnant Women and Their Children. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Young children caries is a topical problem in Latvia as well as worldwide. Several studies have been carried out fully describing causes of caries, as well as a number of preventive programs have been developed, however there are no countries in the world where young children caries would not be a topical issue. Several studies have shown that education of pregnant women and young mothers has significantly reduced development of caries in children. A number of the world’s leading associations have developed guidelines on how to protect children from caries by educating pregnant women and new mothers. Through assessment of oral health of pregnant women or new mothers and evaluation of their knowledge on the child’s oral care, a dentist or a hygienist is able to assess the child’s risk of caries, and to take all necessary preventive measures to protect the child from tooth decay. The paper was targeted at development and assessment of dental disease prevention program for children starting from the pregnancy of a mother. The main objective of the paper was to develop a child’s oral health passport and guidelines on oral health for pregnant women and their young children. The study involved a survey of pregnant women and an assessment of their knowledge on their own and the future child’s oral health. Pregnant women were advised on their daily oral care. Pregnant women were explained what regimen should be followed when feeding an infant with breast milk or infant formula, especially at night. Recommendations were given on times when the child should be taught drinking from a bottle and a cup, advising to avoid sweetened beverages, especially at night. The expectant mothers were explained that the child can be infected with caries-causing bacteria via saliva which can be passed from the mother or any other carer by kissing the child, licking the child’s spoon or soother. The pregnant women were explained how to properly take care of the child’s mouth. The young mothers with children were surveyed when the child reached the age of one and two years. At the end of the study, the mothers were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the child’s eating and dental care habits. As the result, the children involved in the study whose parent had followed the above instructions, showed lower caries prevalence compared to children of the control group. Having analysed the results of the study and scientific literature, as well as having considered experiences of other countries, an oral health passport and guidelines for children residing in Latvia were developed, taking into account various caries risk factors.