Awareness of Parents toward Preventive Dentistry in North Maharashtra – A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an important component of overall health. In the initial age, primary teeth play an important role in the development of speech, chewing, maintaining space, and guiding the eruption of permanent. Dental caries, malocclusion, early childhood caries (ECC), and trauma are the main diseases of the oral cavity. Aim: Assessment of the awareness regarding preventive dental procedures among parents residing in the North Maharashtra Region. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey consisting of a questionnaire conducted on parents of children in the North Maharashtra Region with a sample size of 220. A structured questionnaire was formulated with 15 questions in English which was translated into the local language (Marathi) for better understanding of parents. The first part of the questionnaire was based on demographic data and the second part consisted of 15 multiple-choice close-ended questions. Questions regarding preventive treatment of dental caries, ECC, topical fluoride, fluoridated toothpaste, pit and fissure sealant, dental habit-breaking appliances, malocclusion, mouthguards, and space maintainers. Questions regarding adverse habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and nail-biting were also included. Results: About 57.7% of parents visited the dentist after pain. 52.7% of parents were unaware of dental caries and ECC and were not aware that dental caries is a preventable disease. Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding preventive dental procedures is found to be limited as the utilization of these procedures.