Nutrition Education Intervention for Pregnant Women with High Oral Mutans Streptocci Levels

Abstract

Text: Research has indicated that children attending Head Start programs in Connecticut have a high incidence of dental caries. Research shows that high oral mutans streptococci bacteria contribute to dental caries. Additionally, studies have shown that a reduction of mutans streptococci in the mother reduces the transmission of the bacteria to the child, thereby decreasing dental caries in the child. A nutrition education intervention was designed to reduce mutans streptococci in the mothers. Pregnant women from a community health center were recruited for this project. Women interested in participating had their mutans streptococci level measured to determine eligibility. One hundred twenty-one pregnant women completed the baseline visit which consisted of a demographic survey, Block Fat-Sugar-Vegetable Food Frequency Screener, and a 24-hour recall. Sixty-seven percent of the participants were Hispanic. Income was reported as less than $10,000 per year for 63% of the individuals reporting income. Food frequency data indicate that participants choose fruit juices, juice drinks, sweetened teas, and sweetened carbonated beverages more than unsweetened varieties. Forty-five percent of the participants indicated they eat cereal daily with 63% choosing sweetened cereals. Participants ate 1.7 servings of sweets (cake, cookies, ice cream, candy, etc.) per day. Two group nutrition education interventions were developed emphasizing the importance of decreasing sugar consumption. An interactive “sugar” game was played as part of the first intervention and an interactive computer game was played as part of the second intervention. Data show this population needs nutrition education and enjoys interactive group interventions.