Oral Health Advice by Healthcare Providers
The majority (n=12) of mothers received no oral health advice from their HCPs. One mother explains, "The pediatrician has not discussed oral healthcare. Just recently at our six month appointment she discussed pros and cons of fluoride supplementation, but beyond that has not discussed any... no recommendations so far after nursing or feeding." Another mother stated her pediatrician did offer some oral hygiene instructions, but these were not very in-depth, and did not address her specific suggestions based on the mother choosing to cosleep and breastfeed at night. The mother clarifies, "So, her pediatrician, umm, I think she asked me if I am brushing her teeth... [she said it] was not great for her teeth to be nursing through the night, but I was not sure that was true." Interview : “Did she offer any oral health suggestions if you were still currently co-sleeping and night nursing? A: No.” None of the mothers reported an in-depth discussion of oral health or hygiene instructions initiated by their HCPs.