Mexican American Mothers' Initiation and Understanding of Home Oral Hygiene for Young Children

Authors: Hoeft, Kristin S.; Masterson, Erin E.; Barker, Judith C.

Source: Pediatric Dentistry, Volume 31, Number 5, September/October 2009 , pp. 395-404(10)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Abstract:

Purpose: To investigate caregiver beliefs and behaviors as key issues in the initiation of home oral hygiene routines. Oral hygiene helps reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries, which is disproportionately high among Mexican-American children. Methods: Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 48 Mexican-American mothers of young children in a low income, urban neighborhood. Interviews were digitally recorded, translated, transcribed, coded and analyzed using standard qualitative procedures. Results: The average age of tooth brushing initiation was 1.8±0.8 years; only a small proportion of parents (13%) initiated oral hygiene in accord with American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations. Mothers initiated 2 forms of oral hygiene: infant oral hygiene and regular tooth brushing. For the 48% of children who participated in infant oral hygiene, mothers were prompted by pediatrician and social service (WIC) professionals. For regular tooth brushing initiation, a set of maternal beliefs exist about when this oral hygiene practice becomes necessary for children. Beliefs are mainly based on a child's dental maturity, interest, capacity and age/size. Conclusions: Most (87%) of the urban Mexican-American mothers in the study do not initiate oral hygiene practices in compliance with ADA recommendations. These findings have implications for educational messages.

Keywords: INFANT ORAL HEALTH; EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES; ORAL HABITS; TOOTH-BRUSHING; MEXICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2009-09-01

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Pediatric Dentistry is the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is published bi-monthly and is internationally recognized as the leading journal in the area of pediatric dentistry. The journal promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, case reports and abstracts of current pediatric dental research.
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Mexican American Mothers' Initiation and Understanding of Home Oral Hygiene for Young Children

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