Practices of community health nurses related to oral health advice given to caregivers of infants and children

Abstract

This study examined the oral health knowledge of community health nurses in Manitoba and what oral health advice is given to the caregivers of infants and children. In addition, the differences in oral health knowledge of rural, northern and urban community health nurses was compared. Surveys were emailed using SurveyMonkey to all nurses that identified themselves as community health or public health nurses in Manitoba. 261 responses were received. Nurses had high oral health literacy in regards to diet and feeding practices but need improvement in some areas of knowledge such as timing of the first dental visit and use of fluoride toothpaste. Statistically significant differences between the groups of nurses were found in regards knowledge of timing of the first dental visit, use of fluoride toothpaste in children younger than 3, and transmission of cariogenic bacteria.