AWARENESS REGARDING ORAL CAVITIES AMONG INFANTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Abstract
Background: Oral health is a critical aspect of general well-being, with early care significantly influencing long-term health outcomes. Awareness of infant oral cavities is crucial in preventing conditions like dental caries and periodontal diseases. However, research suggests a variability in the awareness levels of caregivers and healthcare providers regarding infant oral health, which could impact oral health practices and outcomes in infants. This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on the awareness of oral cavities among infants, factors influencing this awareness, and the implications for oral health practices.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Grey literature, conference proceedings, and reference lists of included studies were also explored. Studies eligible for inclusion were cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and qualitative research that focused on caregiver or healthcare provider awareness of infant oral health. The participants of interest were caregivers (parents, guardians) and healthcare providers responsible for infant oral health (aged 0–2 years). Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. The primary outcome was the level of awareness regarding infant oral cavities, and secondary outcomes included factors influencing awareness such as education, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services.
Results: The initial search identified 458 studies, of which 247 articles were screened for eligibility. After full-text review, 184 articles were assessed, and three studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included diverse populations, ranging from pediatricians and parents to nursing students and pregnant women, with sample sizes varying from 60 to 425 participants. Awareness of infant oral health was generally limited, with participants demonstrating moderate levels of knowledge and a willingness to improve through educational interventions. Factors influencing awareness included education level, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services. Educational programs showed promise in improving awareness and practices among caregivers and healthcare providers.
Conclusion: This systematic review highlights significant gaps in awareness regarding infant oral health across different populations. The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions to improve awareness and practice among caregivers and healthcare providers. Addressing these gaps is essential to enhancing early oral health practices and preventing dental issues in infants. Future research should focus on long-term evaluations of the effectiveness of educational programs and explore additional factors influencing awareness.
