Assessing Oral Health Knowledge, Opinions, and Behaviors of WIC Recipients in Rural Southern Illinois

Abstract

Dental caries is the most common of all chronic childhood diseases. Parenting practices can either contribute to or protect against the formation of dental caries in children. Because children rely on parents and caregivers for oral disease prevention and treatment, parents and caregivers must be motivated to use oral disease prevention behaviors that are based on accurate information. A survey was administered to 582 WIC recipients in rural southern Illinois to assess mothers’ knowledge, opinions, and behaviors related to oral health. Deficits existed in mothers’ ability to identify drinks, foods, and behaviors that contribute to or protect against dental caries development. Nevertheless, most believed that they did not need additional oral health education in order to take good care of their children’s teeth. Many women reported having untreated caries in their own mouth, failed to have annual professional dental cleanings, and did not have a dental home. A multidisciplinary approach to early intervention is needed to promote oral wellness in one of the most vulnerable populations. WIC staff are positioned to share responsibility in children’s oral health through consistent and effective nutrition and oral health counseling.