179 - Parental Behaviors after Comprehensive Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia

This study aims to assess the factors influencing the success of dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for children diagnosed with Early Childhood Caries (ECC), and to determine whether parental behaviors, such as oral health habits and dietary choices, impacts treatment outcomes. ECC, characterized by decayed, missing, or filled teeth in children under 71 months, affects nearly half of preschool children globally, leading to significant health complications like pain, malnutrition, and sleep disruptions. Full mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia offers an effective approach, improving both oral health and quality of life. The study hypothesizes that oral health behaviors do not significantly change three months after dental surgery under general anesthesia treatment in the hospital. A retrospective chart review will be conducted using data from pediatric patients treated at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in Rhode Island, focusing on children aged 3 to 10 with severe ECC who underwent dental treatment under GA. The study will analyze existing patient records to evaluate treatment success, parental behaviors such as tooth brushing habits after dental surgery, and demographics. Data will include post-operative assessments of oral health conditions, including plaque index and whether numbers present on stainless steel crowns were wiped off to evaluate if parents are effectively brushing their child’s teeth after dental surgery. The results aim to provide insights into the efficacy of general anesthesia treatments and contribute to improving pediatric dental care, while also promoting better oral health.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: