IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health Awareness of Highly Educated New Mothers in Italy
Objectives: The foundation for lifelong health behavior is established during the child’s first 1000 days from conception. There are many studies describing the positive influence of behavioural parental counselling interventions improving oral health in mothers and children. This cross-sectional survey aimed to interview new mothers with high levels of schooling to assess knowledge and habits in relation to their own and their child's oral health in Italy.
Methods: An on-line questionnaire was spread in perinatal courses and private gynaecologic clinics. Mothers age ≥ 18 years, with offspring aged between 0 and 36 months, with a high school diploma or higher educational degree were included. A survey was conducted merging two standardized questionnaires (27 items) on oral health during pregnancy and baby’s oral health, investigating socio-demographical factors, knowledge and attitudes towards their and their baby’s oral health. The sample size calculated at 95CI was 378. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: A total of 1202 women met the inclusion criteria, 60.48% were over 35 years old, 73,96% had a post graduate degree and 87.85% had stable job. More than one child was stated by 24.54% and the majority had babies aged 0-12 moths (63.98%). During pregnancy, 29.53% had problems with teeth and/or gums and only 39.52% went to dental offices. Overall, 45.17% was not aware of a possible correlation between oral health and pregnancy, and 64.23% did not received indication about their oral health or on the future health of the baby’s mouth. Less than 25% was aware of the increased caries risk due to prolonged or nocturnal breastfeeding and only 35,36% known about cariogenic bacteria transmission through salivary contacts.
Conclusions: The study confirmed that knowledge and attitudes towards mother’s and baby’s oral health are poor, and more efforts should be taken to improve by health professionals dental education among future mothers.
Methods: An on-line questionnaire was spread in perinatal courses and private gynaecologic clinics. Mothers age ≥ 18 years, with offspring aged between 0 and 36 months, with a high school diploma or higher educational degree were included. A survey was conducted merging two standardized questionnaires (27 items) on oral health during pregnancy and baby’s oral health, investigating socio-demographical factors, knowledge and attitudes towards their and their baby’s oral health. The sample size calculated at 95CI was 378. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: A total of 1202 women met the inclusion criteria, 60.48% were over 35 years old, 73,96% had a post graduate degree and 87.85% had stable job. More than one child was stated by 24.54% and the majority had babies aged 0-12 moths (63.98%). During pregnancy, 29.53% had problems with teeth and/or gums and only 39.52% went to dental offices. Overall, 45.17% was not aware of a possible correlation between oral health and pregnancy, and 64.23% did not received indication about their oral health or on the future health of the baby’s mouth. Less than 25% was aware of the increased caries risk due to prolonged or nocturnal breastfeeding and only 35,36% known about cariogenic bacteria transmission through salivary contacts.
Conclusions: The study confirmed that knowledge and attitudes towards mother’s and baby’s oral health are poor, and more efforts should be taken to improve by health professionals dental education among future mothers.