Knowledge and attitude of parents on child's oral health: A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Background: Parental attitude and knowledge on child’s oral health will have an impact on their child’s oral hygiene or not.Aim: To evaluate the attitude, knowledge, and practices of parents towards their child’s dental health. Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 100 parents to assess the parental attitude and knowledge regarding the practices to maintain child’s oral health. The response was recorded and statistically analyzed. Result: The primary reason for dental visits has been toothache, but 44% of parents have also avoided it, believing primary teeth will naturally shed. Around 90.63% of parents have only seek dental care when there's pain or swelling, and 29.63% attend regular checkups. Furthermore, an average of 70% of parents have knowledge of all basic treatment procedures. Parents also had knowledge to differentiate good and bad food items with respect to a Child’s oral health.Conclusion: Majority of the parents have knowledge about role of dietary habits in oral health but at the same time there is lack of knowledge regarding role of dental visits in maintaining oral health, treatment options and dental visit during emergency situations.