Inter-relationship between intrauterine dentistry and dentistry for babies: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, intrauterine dentistry is a highly relevant topic, as its preventive measures can avoid several diseases, such as dental caries. Pregnancy is the ideal time for preventive and educational health measures to be put into practice, since future mothers are more receptive to changes and avid for knowledges that ensure the well-being of their baby. Objective: The aim of this work is to carry out a systematized review in a database regarding the interrelationship between the oral health care of the pregnant women and the development of healthy habits for babies. Methods: An exploratory bibliographic research was performed in books and databases through an online search in the literature. It was carried out a non-systematic review in the period between 1981 and 2015, in which the databases were LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, PUBMED and the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD), using as descriptors: intrauterine dentistry; dentistry for babies; dental cavity; prevention; infants; prenatal dentistry; behavior; habits; pregnant women. It was also consulted textbooks and periodicals available in the library at Campus I of University of Western São Paulo. Conclusion: It was concluded that dental care for pregnant woman is important for the development of good habits in children, where the level of mothers' knowledge about oral health will influence the prevalence of caries in their children.