Influence of Mother’s Oral Health Knowledge and Attitude on Primary Teeth among 1–6-year-old Children Attending Pediatric Hospital in Nellore District: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health in children plays an important role as it lays down the foundation for healthy permanent teeth. In children, primary teeth play an important role in eating, speech, and facial appearance and also as a perfect space maintainer for permanent teeth. Mother is the first teacher of the child and she is the one who will take care of the child, so knowledge regarding the importance of primary teeth is necessary. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of mothers with children aged 1–6 years on primary teeth and their importance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the mothers of children between 1 and 6 years attending a pediatric hospital in Nellore for 3 months. A prevalidated closed-ended questionnaire consisting of 15 questions on the knowledge and attitude of mothers on primary teeth and the importance of visiting a dentist for regular dental checkup was given, and the responses were collected on the same day. Results: A total of 211 mothers participated in the study and filled the questionnaire, of which 65.4% are of the view that it is important to save an infected primary tooth, and among them, 60.2% agreed for treatment. About 41.7% responded that they visited a pediatrician when pain occurs and 51.7% believed that having too much sweets is the reason for tooth decay. Conclusion: This study concluded that the mothers of preschool children had partial knowledge of primary teeth and there is a need to improve the knowledge of the importance of primary teeth and regular dental checkup.