Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of maternal knowledge and confidence in promoting infant and toddler oral health: An exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction

Infancy and toddlerhood are unique periods that lay the foundations for a child's oral health. Proper nutrition, feeding practices, and oral care habits during these periods influence oral and general health. The present study explores the effect of demographics, socioeconomic variables, health-related factors, and information sources on expectant mothers' knowledge and confidence in promoting infants' and toddlers' oral health (ITOH).

Methods

A questionnaire was used to identify participants’ ages, nationalities, education, employment, incomes, and previous motherhood experience. Availability of health insurance, access to healthcare, attitude toward visiting the dentist, attitude toward fluoride, and sources of ITOH information were also recorded. Ten questions on factors influencing ITOH were used to assess knowledge. Self-reported confidence was captured using a five-point scale.

Results

The results demonstrated limited awareness of ITOH evidence-based practices, particularly concerning breast- and bottle-feeding and fluoride exposure. Low knowledge levels were evident for young participants, first-time mothers, participants with low incomes, and those who reported negative opinions toward fluoride. Low confidence levels were evident for young participants, first-time mothers, and those who had no formal education. Dentists emerged as the most reliable source of information, correlating with higher maternal knowledge than web searches and social media.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors, particularly household income and previous motherhood experience, are significant determinants of maternal ITOH knowledge and confidence levels, in addition to demographic variables, such as age and education level. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and call for efforts to establish public access to reliable information sources on child oral health.