Maternal Education, Dental Visits and Age of Pacifier Withdrawal: Pediatric Dentist Role in Malocclusion Prevention

Abstract

Objective: Although discouraged, pacifier usage is widespread and often practiced beyond two years of age. The current study explored the effects of maternal education and dental visits on the age of pacifier withdrawal. Study design: The dental histories of 213 children (53.1% male) attending a primary school in Madrid were obtained along with maternal education level and age at pacifier withdrawal. Data were analyzed by using independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA two-way ANOVA and a complementary non-parametric approach was also used. Results: There was a significant effect of maternal education on the age of pacifier withdrawal; the higher the maternal education, the younger the age of withdrawal. The frequency of dental visits influenced the relationship between maternal education and the age of pacifier withdrawal . Dental visits considerably shortened pacifier use among children with low- and medium- educated mothers. Conclusions: Pediatric dentists play a critical role in the correction of unhealthy oral habits such as prolonged pacifier use. The educational component of peediatric dentistry could reverse the lack of knowledge or misinformation among high-risk groups (e.g. low maternal education). As a consequence, we recommend that children start dental visits at an early age and maintain visits with a high frequency.