Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an oral health educative intervention in preventing early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: The trial targets 0- to 12-month-old children and their mothers in Pelotas, Brazil. Twenty-four public health centres (clusters) were randomly selected and assigned to intervention or control group (12 clusters per intervention group). In each center, up to 30 children/mothers were selected and invited to participate in the trial. Each mother was interviewed in order to collect socio-economic and demographic variables. The intervention group received by means of a pamphlet the oral health instructions, which were emphasized with verbal instructions. Dental examination will be carried out after 1 year for all teeth surfaces to determine caries status.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
500
Children/mothers allocated to this arm will receive an pamphlet with key information on dental caries prevention, together with oral instructions about how to avoid dental caries.
Federal University of Pelotas - School of Dentistry
Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Caries status (dmfs)
Number of carious lesions, including intial lesions (white spot), per surface teeth. Also missed and filled surfaces due to caries will be included.
Time frame: after 12 months
dental plaque index
The oral health status will be recorded by visible dental plaque index.
Time frame: after 12 months
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