Influence of Maternal Prenatal Vitamin D Status on Infant Oral Health

indicated that they were receiving government assistance. The majority were earning less
than $1,000 each month (58.2%) with only 11.9% earning above $1,500 per month.
Dental History <strong>of</strong> Mother
The majority <strong>of</strong> caregivers (63.3%) reported that they had not visited their dentist during
pregnancy, but 53.1% had experienced dental problems during pregnancy or since their
infant was born. Dental problems in descending order included cavities (55.4%),
extractions (20.0%), dental pain (12.3%), wisdom teeth (9.2%), gum problems (1.5%),
and infection (1.5%).
Infant Oral Health Pr<strong>of</strong>ile
The average age given for the eruption <strong>of</strong> the first primary tooth for infants in this cohort
was 5.5 ± 2.3 months <strong>of</strong> age, and ranged from birth to 12 months <strong>of</strong> age with the median
age being 5.3 months. When asked, only two caregivers (1.5%) indicated that their
child’s teeth did not look healthy when they erupted into the oral cavity and another 30
caregivers (22.2%) believed their child had dental problems. The main types <strong>of</strong> problems
identified included decay (46.9%), chipped or discoloured teeth (15.6%), and crooked
baby teeth (18.8%). Even though 22.2% <strong>of</strong> caregivers indicated that their child had a
dental problem only 15 children (11.1%) had been to the dentist for a first visit. Among
those who had already been to the dentist, the main reason was due to cavities and not for
a check-up examination (58.3% vs. 41.7%).
While 88% <strong>of</strong> caregivers indicated that they had started to clean their child’s teeth
and mouth, the age when this needed behaviour was initiated ranged from birth to 30
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