Caries Prevalence of Children in an Infant Oral Health Educational Program at a WIC Clinic

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of caries between children whose parents had previously participated in an infant oral health educational program (IOHEP) at a WIC clinic with those children whose parents had not participated previously.

Methods: One hundred and twenty children aged 1 to 5 years participated in the study. A single examiner previously standardized using the WHO diagnostic criteria for caries examined the children.

Results: One hundred and sixteen children were Hispanic (97%). Forty-one of the parents (34%) had previously participated in the IOHEP. Previous participation of the parents in the IOHEP was highly associated with fewer enamel carious lesions (P=.005) and lower dft (P=.043) scores. Children whose parents reported brushing their child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste had significantly lower prevalence of caries (P=.007).

Conclusions: Infant oral health educational programs directed to parents at WIC can have a positive impact on caries prevention.