Oral Health Knowledge of African American and Hispanic Mothers

OBJECTIVES: To determine the oral health knowledge of caregivers whose children attended a dental clinic, and compare results by ethnicity/race.

METHODS: A survey of oral health knowledge previously developed asking about oral health behavior, utilization of oral healthcare services, knowledge and prevention of disease, and consequences of poor oral health was distributed to primary caregivers/mothers of children presenting to non-emergency appointments at a college pediatric dental clinic.

RESULTS: 280 questionnaires were distributed. 106 African American (AA) and 147 from Hispanic (H) mothers/caregivers returned questionnaires. AAs had a higher level of education and Hs had younger children. AAs were more knowledgeable about oral health behaviors (t test,p< 0.000) resulting in a higher score, but scores only differed significantly by ethnicity on four questions: 90% of AAs and 68% of Hs agreed that children should not swallow toothpaste (chi square, p<.000). 93% of AAs said older children should brush their teeth twice a day compared to 80% of Hs (p=.008); 98% of AAs and 78% of Hs agreed children should not go to bed with a bottle (p=.001); and 41% of AAs and 27% of Hs agreed 6 year olds should floss (p<.05). Less than 20% of caregivers recognized that two year olds should have their teeth brushed or that the first dental visit should occur by age 1. Less than 50% realized how often a toothbrush should be replaced, that six year olds should floss and that severe caries might cause a child to not gain weight properly. Both groups reported a mean first dental visit at age 3.

CONCLUSIONS: More effort and resources should be dedicated to educating parents on oral health. Ethnicity had a small effect on oral health knowledge; but no effect on utilization of oral care services, or knowledge of prevention of disease and its consequences.