Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about oral hygiene of childrens parents attending the department of pediatric dentistry in the Dental School, Marmara University.
Method: A descriptive study was conducted from November 2015 to February 2016 among fifty parents of children visiting the department of pediatrics dentistry. Fifty parents of children aged 4-14 years, were invited to participate in the study. A 34-item questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, dietary practices, oral hygiene practices, about deciduous teeth, was distributed to parents, during their visit. Data were presented in terms of numbers and percentages. This Project was approved by the Ethical Committee of Marmara University Institute of Health Science. Each participant signed informed consent.
Results: Parents mean age was 36.5 (5.3) years; the mean age children was 9.3 (2.7) years. The majority of the study population belonged to the 25-42 year old age group (90%). Of the participating individuals 34 (68%) were females and 19 (38%) of the parents were educated to elementary school level. Selfperceptions of their own dental health showed 31 (62%) felt teeth were very important to them. However 12 (24%) of the subjects visited a dentist only when in pain. Only one parent had taken her child for just a check-up. In the present study 42 (84%) agreed the deciduous caries should be treated. Participants were aware of the risk posed by snacking to the dental health of children. A total of 36 (72%) gave no emphasis to toothbrushing for preventing cavities.
Conclusion: There was no association of parental age, or education, with preventive dental knowledge. There is a need to improve parental knowledge regarding childrens dental health. Promoting oral health care as part of general health is an important goal for education.
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