Efficacy of an oral health promotion program for infants in the public sector

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health
• Preventive Healthcare

Background:

• Childhood caries and facial alterations are significant public health concerns.
• Early intervention and preventive dental programs are crucial for long-term oral health.
• Comparing different dental care models can identify more effective strategies for child populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a structured infant preventive dental program versus spontaneous demand care.
• To evaluate differences in caries index (dmft), non-nutritive sucking habits, and facial alterations between the two groups.
• To determine which program model better achieves oral health maintenance in young children.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 100 children aged 1-6 years in Maringá, PR.
• Two groups were analyzed: Group I (infant program with bimonthly follow-up) and Group II (spontaneous demand care).
• Data collected via parental interviews and clinical examinations for dmft and facial alterations, analyzed using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• The infant program group (GI) showed a significantly lower dmft index (0.2 vs. 3.0) and a higher percentage of caries-free children (88% vs. 57%).
• Non-nutritive sucking habits were less prevalent in GI (47% vs. 75%).
• Facial alterations, including high arched palate, anterior open bite, and mouth breathing, were significantly more frequent in GII (48% vs. 8.4%).

Conclusions:

• The infant preventive program is more effective in maintaining child oral health than the spontaneous demand program.
• Early and regular preventive care significantly reduces caries and prevents the development of harmful oral habits and facial changes.
• This study highlights the importance of structured, proactive dental care models for pediatric populations.