Parents’ awareness of their children’s oral-dental health: Knowledge, attitudes and practices

Abstract

This study aimed to determine parental knowledge and behavior about oral health and dental care. For this purpose, we also examined the relationship between demographic characteristics and the oral-dental health behavior of parents. This study consisted of 269 parents who visited the pediatric outpatient clinic of the hospital between December 2017-January 2019. Data were collected using the researchers' prepared oral health and dental care assessment form. To determine the parents' level of knowledge and behavior regarding oral and dental health, a total of 45 questionnaires were administered with face-to-face interview technique, including demographic characteristics (4 questions), knowledge (19 questions), oral-dental behavior (18 questions), and personal opinion (4 questions). 269 parents (231 females and 38 males) participated in the study. The average age of the parents was 30.6±6.9 years (range: 18-62 years). 118 parents (43.9%) graduated from middle-high school, 109 parents (40.5%) were primary school graduates, 33 parents (12.3%) were university graduates, and five parents were illiterate people (1.9%). The parents did not have enough information about nutrition, fluoride therapy, and dental flossing. There was no statistically significant difference between education level and the number of correct answers (p=0.133). As a result, providing accurate and appropriate knowledge to children by their parents will affect oral-dental health positively. Whether it is a child or adolescent, regular periodic education programs for the protection and development of oral and dental health, as well as the contribution of the school and the family, are essential.