Prevention of early childhood caries

Prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) consists of oral health educational sessions structured in two phases : during pregnancy and after the baby’s birth. At the end of each educational action, samples and Portuguese Dental Association educational brochures about oral health in pregnant women and children were distributed. A poster about prevention of early childhood caries was also posted at all community care units, where the oral educational sessions were carried out. The poster highlights the importance of maintaining healthy deciduous teeth until they are replaced by the permanent dentition and a brochure explains the oral hygiene care and diet required to prevent ECC.

Comparing the results obtained pre- and post-intervention, it was concluded that the educational actions for oral health were effective in acquiring knowledge.