The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of fluoride education delivery and fluoride varnish application for infants by non-dental providers. Additionally, this study aimed to assess current infant caregiver knowledge regarding fluoride use, including appropriate amounts of toothpaste and understand the reasons for fluoride refusal in the infant caregiver population.
It was predicted that less than 50% of pediatric medical residents are providing the recommended fluoride dental education and fluoride varnish services to their patients. We predicted that less than 50% of infant caregivers use the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when brushing their children’s teeth. We predicted that infants who had their teeth brushed with the recommended amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day would have lower dmft/dmfs scores.
Infant caregivers who presented for their child’s first dental exam at UIC COD Infant Oral Health Clinic were surveyed. UIC pediatric medicine residents were also surveyed to understand prevalence of fluoride education and varnish application provided by non-dental providers. During the initial examination, caregivers demonstrated daily toothpaste amount used to brush their children’s teeth by placing toothpaste on the provided toothbrush. Additionally, dmft/dmfs scores were recorded for the infants.
A total of 23 pediatric medical residents completed the surveys during the month of September 2023. Less than 50% of pediatric medical residents provided fluoride education to caregivers of infants (p< 0.05). Pediatric medical residents overwhelmingly did not apply fluoride varnish for infants during their wellness visits (p < 0.05).
Caregivers of infants (n=48) were surveyed between August 2023 and December 2023. More than 50% of caregivers did not use the appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day when brushing their infant’s teeth (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between both infant dmft or dmfs scores and appropriate fluoridated toothpaste use (p > .05). Overall, this study sheds light on the barriers of fluoride education from a non-dental provider standpoint and the misunderstanding of appropriate fluoridated toothpaste use from the caregiver standpoint. The misunderstanding or inappropriate use of fluoridated toothpaste in the infant caregiver community may be mitigated by primary care providers helping caregivers understand key oral health practices, such as appropriate use of fluoridated toothpaste, early on in an infant’s life.
History
Advisor
Bhakti Desai,
Department
Pediatric Dentistry
Degree Grantor
University of Illinois Chicago
Degree Level
Masters
Degree name
MS, Master of Science
Committee Member
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