Even while expressing uncertainty,

Even while expressing uncertainty, all
48 mothers mentioned specific causes of caries, most frequently citing candy or
juice consumption (85%), poor oral hygiene (65%) and use of the bottle (52%).
Mothers rarely recognized cariogenic foods beyond candy, did not know or
perform recommended oral hygiene routines, and demonstrated confusion and
uncertainty about exactly how baby bottles are detrimental to teeth. Nearly half
of these mothers also mentioned secondary cavity causes, such as genetics, lack
of calcium, not going to the dentist or lack of fluoride. Mothers did not mention
the role of bacteria. While mothers recognized that oral hygiene can counteract
the detrimental effects of candy consumption, they did not recognize its
beneficial effects in other contexts. Nor did they know about other preventive
activities