A survey on evaluating the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding infant oral health among Pediatricians of South Bangalore: A pilot study

Abstract

There is an imprecise tendency for separating Oral health from General health, however oral health forms an integral part of overall health reflecting the general health and wellbeing of an individual. Dental disease is one of the most vulnerable chronic disease affecting children throughout the world. Evidence increasingly suggests that for successful prevention of dental disease its preventive interaction should begin with the 1st year of life. The evidence in literature reveals that when the frequency of visit a to the paediatricians and paediatric dentist are analysed, regardless of the nature of service being sought (public or private), the parents systematically consult paediatricians throughout the 1st year of life, which does not occur in relation to dental queries. Hence, paediatricians are at a unique position to begin the process of early assessment of oral health and provision of anticipatory guidance and educating the parents regarding good oral hygiene, prevention of dental caries, and establishing proper feeding habits. It is unclear to what degree paediatricians are knowledgeable about preventable oral health and to what extent they are willing to participate in assessment and prevention of dental disease. This survey takes a step forward by examining baseline knowledge, opinions & practice implemented by the paediatricians in their health care professional regarding Infant oral health and identifying the barriers to oral health assessment and to make referrals to the Pedodontists.