Role of Mothers in Prevention of Dental Caries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mothers play an important role in prevention of dental caries. The contributing factors including transmission of infection from mothers having dental caries to children, breastfeeding, weaning, snaking habits of children, brushing techniques and routine dental health visits of child are all preventable factors. If a mother is educated and well aware about these factors then she would be able to apply preventive strategies at the right time. The objective of this study is to find scientific evidences regarding role of mothers in caries prevention. MEDLINE database were used and relevant articles were searched, important internet sites were visited, technical books and various international publications were reviewed. References cited in the selected articles were also reviewed and included. The study concluded that there are scientific evidences proving mother to child transmission of cariogenic bacteria. To avoid these contributing risk factors of dental caries mothers need to improve their oral health especially in pregnancy, breast feed the child appropriately and avoid excessive nocturnal breast feeding, avoid too much sugary weaning food and sugary snacks consumption in young children. There should be regular routine dental visits of mother and child.