Oral hygiene in babies: study reveals how maternal schooling and inadequate guidance influence care practices

Although studies suggest that oral hygiene for babies should only begin with the eruption of the first deciduous tooth, the information reaching a large part of the population is contradictory or incorrect. Based on this, a study conducted by researchers at Projeto Infância e Poluentes Ambientais, the PIPA/UFRJ The study revealed how socioeconomic factors, especially maternal education, influence oral hygiene practices in edentulous infants—those who do not yet have teeth. Published in Revista Científica do CRO-RJ (Rio de Janeiro Dental Journal)The study also warns of the risks associated with inadequate guidance, often from laypeople, which can compromise the oral health of babies.

The research analyzed 289 mothers participating in the PIPA program, whose babies were three months old. The study revealed that 59.7% of the mothers performed oral hygiene on their edentulous babies, mainly using gauze or diapers. However, less than half of the mothers (42%) received guidance from healthcare professionals, such as dentists or pediatricians, while the majority followed recommendations from people without training in the healthcare field.

The results show that mothers with lower levels of education were the most likely to adopt this practice, even without scientific basis. Although oral hygiene during the edentulous phase is widely disseminated, the research indicates that it does not provide proven benefits for the prevention of oral diseases and may, in fact, increase the risk of infections due to inadequate management.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of revising outdated guidelines and educational materials that still recommend inadequate practices for infant oral hygiene. The authors suggest that public policies and health literacy programs be implemented to ensure that mothers have access to accurate and evidence-based information.

"Educating mothers, especially in vulnerable populations, is fundamental to avoiding unnecessary practices and protecting oral health from the first months of life," the researchers conclude. The research reinforces the need to invest in clear and accessible guidance, conducted by qualified professionals, to promote safe and effective practices in childcare.