Impact of an extended postnatal home visiting programme on oral health among children in a disadvantaged area of Stockholm, Sweden

Aim To evaluate oral health outcomes and early oral health promotion of children in a Swedish, parental support programme conducted in a collaboration between Child Health Services and Social Services. Methods The intervention offered first-time parents six home visits from a paediatric nurse and a parental advisor with Social Services. On the fourth visit (infant age 6-8 months), parents received a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste from non-dental staff. Twice, at child ages 18 and 36 months, a dentist used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System to record caries and conducted a structured interview with the parents on oral health habits. The intervention group (n = 72) was compared to a reference group (n = 100) from the standard child healthcare programme, which included one home visit. Results Significantly, caries prevalence was lower and tooth brushing habits more consistent in the intervention group compared to the reference group in the standard child health programme. The difference was most pronounced at 18 months and had decreased at the 36-month follow-up. Conclusion The extended postnatal home visiting programme had a positive impact on oral health. Early oral health promotion delivered by non-dental professionals could be a beneficial approach to early caries prevention.