Low Income Maryland Adults Understanding of Dental Caries Prevention

Objective: To obtain in-depth information from low-income parents of young children regarding their understanding and related practices about preventing and controling dental caries (tooth decay).

Methods: We conducted four focus groups in 4 different Maryland communities. All were low income and all were English speaking. We developed a focus group guide based on results of a previously conducted state-wide phone survey of Maryland adults.

Results: Most participants had very limited understanding of how to prevent or control dental caries including very limited understanding of the role of fluorides in the prevention of dental caries. Most respondents did not recognize they could essentially prevent this nearly ubiquitious disease. Most respondents did not drink tap water and did not provide it to their children.  98% of Maryland communities that have central water supplies are optimally fluoridated.

Conclusions: There was extensive misinformation and confusion among these low-income participants about how to prevent or control dental caries. There is an obvious need for major education to increase the oral health literacy of low-income adults, especially those who are pregant or have young children.