An oral health promotion programme for nursing caries.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate an oral health promotion programme involving health visitors and mothers of 8-month-old babies in order to address some of the risk factors associated with nursing caries. DESIGN: Two cross-sectional studies using postal questionnaires. SAMPLE A random sample of 250 mothers who had not received the oral health promotion programme and 250 mothers who had received the programme. SETTING: The City of Salford. RESULTS: The oral health promotion programme significantly improved mothers recall of advice given by health visitors encouraging the use of a feeder cup, brushing their babies' teeth with fluoride toothpaste and restricting sugary foods and drinks. Significant improvements were also found in recall of advice regarding the use of sugar-free medicine and registering babies with a dentist. The programme encouraged a higher proportion of the mothers to bring their children to clinics for a hearing check. CONCLUSION: A simple oral health promotion programme facilitated by health visitors improved recall of advice and clinic visiting behaviour.