Knowledge and Awareness of Turkish Mothers Regarding Primary Teeth

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the mothers’ knowledge and awareness of primary teeth. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 323 children and their mothers. A questionnaire form consisting of 10 questions about the definition of primary teeth, their total number and treatment requirements was applied to the mothers. Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The rate of wrong answers given by mothers with low education level to the question "What are primary teeth?" was significantly higher (p <0.001). The rate of correct answer given by mothers with low education level to the question "How many primary teeth are there in a healthy dentition?" was significantly lower (p = 0.002). The answer of "no" given by mothers with a low education level to the question "Do you think it is necessary to treat primary teeth?" was significantly higher (p=0.016). The rate of correct answer given by families with a monthly income above 5000 TL to the questions "What are primary teeth?" and "How many primary teeth are present totally?" were significantly higher (p=<0.001). Conclusion: The superior the education level and the monthly income of the family, the higher the rate of answering questions that require information.