Evaluation of oral health knowledge and oral health status in mothers and their children with cleft lip and palate.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the oral health knowledge of mothers of children with cleft lip and/or palate, analyzing the practical application of this information on the basis of the oral hygiene of the children and caries prevalence of mothers and children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
Pediatric Dentistry sector of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies.


METHODS
Mothers (n = 300) and their children with cleft lip and/or palate, ages 3 years to 5 years 6 months.


METHODS
An interview with questions related to dietary habits and oral health knowledge and habits was conducted. Children and their mothers also were evaluated by intraoral clinical examination.


RESULTS
Of the mothers, 47.3% displayed poor oral health status (Group A) and 52.7% had a satisfactory oral health status (Group B). Children in Group A presented a mean dmft of 6.0, whereas children in Group B had a mean dmft of 5.6. No significant differences were observed between groups. Mothers demonstrated a reasonable knowledge on prevention of dental caries and oral hygiene.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though the mothers interviewed had some knowledge on the causes and prevention of dental caries, other factors should be regarded as relevant in the caries process.
de Castilho
Aline Rogéria Freire
AR
Specialization Course in Pediatric Dentistry, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Rua Silvio Marchione 3-20, 17043-900 Bauru, SP, Brazil.
das Neves
Lucimara Teixeira
LT
de Carvalho Carrara
Cleide Felício
CF
D001294:Attitude to Health; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D014099:Toothbrushing
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D005459:Fluorides