The Impact of Mother-Infant Bonding on Dental Caries Severity in the Postpartum Period

Background Mother-infant bonding disorder is a psychological disturbance that affects some mothers postpartum with variety of kinds such as angry, rejection, anxiety, and abuse. As psychological disorders have pernicious long-term effects, maternal bonding disorder may affect the oral health status. Aim of the study The current study was designed to evaluate the impact of maternal bonding status in relation to caries severity of the mothers postpartum. Materials and Methods Mothers in the postpartum period aged 20-35 were subjected to postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Caries experience was recorded according to (DMFS) index, and caries severity according to Manjie et al. , (1989). Results The mean value of DS, MS, FS, DMFS, and DMFT was higher among disordered mothers. Results regarding caries severity showed that the advanced grades (D3 and D4) were higher among the disordered mothers. Conclusion Disorder of mother-infant relationship could influence the caries experience and severity negatively.