Initha K et al

Year : 2026 | Volume : 11 | Issue : 1 | Page : 1-13

Maternal Oral Health and its Influence on the Development of Early Childhood Caries 

Initha K, Sujitha R, Vaishnavi S, Manoj Kumar G, Monika G. 

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. 

Address for correspondence:

Initha K et al

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tagore Dental College & Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. 

Objective: To summarize and critically appraise current evidence on the influence of maternal oral health and related factors on the development of ECC. 

Methods: A narrative review of literature including cohort, case–control, cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses examining associations between maternal oral health status, behaviours, psychosocial and sociodemographic factors, and ECC outcomes. 

Results: Maternal caries experience, poor oral hygiene, high salivary levels of cariogenic microorganisms, and limited dental service utilization were consistently associated with increased ECC risk. Vertical transmission of cariogenic bacteria, inappropriate feeding practices, delayed oral hygiene initiation, inadequate fluoride exposure, and low maternal oral health literacy contributed to early cariogenic environments. Socioeconomic disadvantage and psychosocial stress further increased risk. 

Conclusion: Improving maternal oral health during pregnancy and early infancy through education, behavioural interventions, and access to preventive care is essential to reduce ECC and promote long-term child oral health. 

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this Article: Initha K et al., Maternal Oral Health and its Influence on the Development of Early Childhood Caries. Int J Soc Rehab 2026;11(1):1-13. doi:10.56501/intjsocrehab.v11i1.ijsr0049