DENTAL CARE DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD

THE PERSPECTIVE OF PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: To understand the view of pregnant women on dental care in childcare and its relationship with the oral health of newborns. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative and descriptive field research study, developed in a Family Health Unit. The research included a sample of 10 pregnant women. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed, entered and tabulated in the Iramuteq software. To organize and categorize the data, the thematic content analysis technique was used. Results: The division of the transcribed data analyzed in this article resulted in two categories, one of which was subdivided into four other classes. The first category composed of class 1 refers to possible problems that can negatively interfere with children's oral health. The second category, constituted by classes 2 to 5, is related to actions taken to achieve favorable oral health. Conclusion: Pregnant women have dubiuos information acquired through their previous experiences and beliefs. It is suggested that the multidisciplinary team be sensitized to the importance and encouragement of positive oral health practices during pregnancy, extending it to childcare.