Do Maternal Beliefs, Knowledge and Practices for Own and Young Child Oral Care Reflect on Actual Child Oral Health?

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether mother's oral health habits and knowledge for child oral care actually reflect on her young child's oral health and hence sought for direct evidence for this association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred mothers accompanied their children, aged 2-5 years to a University Pediatric Dentistry Clinic and completed a three-arm questionnaire. Child dental caries (decayed, missing, filled surfaces-dmfs) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded. Correlations were sought by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between maternal education and family income with child dmfs (p < 0.01). Additionally, other maternal factors such as age and correct knowledge of the appropriate age for a child's first dental visit, the initiation of toothbrushing, and fluoride exposure were positively associated with lower dmfs and GBI. Additionally, some maternal practices also contributed to these results. CONCLUSION: Maternal practices and knowledge are predictors of child oral health. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mothers-to-be, especially those with low socioeconomic characteristics, should be involved in dental education and motivation interventions in order to practice proper oral hygiene for their children.

Assessment of Young Mothers' Oral Hygiene Practices during Pregnancy and Their Knowledge of Children's Oral Health in Northern Greece.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess maternal knowledge about oral health practices for children along with oral hygiene perceptions of mothers during pregnancy in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 newly delivered mothers who were admitted to the obstetrician/gynecological (OB/GYN) University Clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece, to give birth. A three-part, self-reported, 40-item questionnaire was designed, collecting socioeconomic data, perceptions, and practices regarding maternal oral hygiene during pregnancy and their knowledge in relation to children's oral health. Collected data were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed with SPSS (Version 24.0), and p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample consisted of mainly Greek, married, university alumni mothers less than 35 years of age. Self-reports of oral hygiene practices during gestation were sufficient but an inadequate level of regular dental visits was recorded. Poor knowledge was equally noted, regarding children's oral health, in the domains of fluoride toothpaste usage, the age of the first dental visit, supervised toothbrushing, nighttime breastfeeding, potential hazards of pacifier use, and thumb sucking. All factors were significantly associated with the mothers' education level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Newly-delivered mothers presented with a lack of knowledge regarding mother/caregiver-related risk factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC), the timing of establishing a dental home, and misconceptions about the safety of dental visits during pregnancy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Healthcare professionals interacting with pregnant women or young mothers are a vital element to bridge the existing gap in knowledge and assist those socially and educationally deprived.

Dental treatment of a Seven-Year-Old Child with Mastocytosis.

AIM: Mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by pathologic mast cell degranulation. This paper aims to present the dental management of a seven-year-old girl diagnosed with mastocytosis, in a hospital setting, yet without general anesthesia. CASE REPORT: A seven-year-old girl, diagnosed with urticaria pigmentosa, was referred to a dental practice. Her parents' main concern was a possible allergic reaction to local anesthetics and antibiotics. It was decided to perform treatment in the operating theatre of a clinic without general anesthesia. Eight primary teeth were restored. The patient was monitored, and no complications occurred throughout the procedure. Follow-ups performed every three months for two years after treatment. Patient's oral hygiene was improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Collaboration between medical experts, patient's family and the pediatric dentist was crucial. The dentist must be aware of the medical history and potential triggering factors. Due to high probability for life-threatening emergencies, dental treatment in a hospital setting is recommended.