Mother?s Attitudes and Knowledge for Oral Hygiene among Pre-School Children in Saudi Arabia
Author(s): Sarah Ahmed Bahammam*
Abstract
Introduction: Early intervention of dental disorders provides helps educating the parents in various aspects such as maintenance of proper brushing of teeth, good oral hygiene, preventing nursing caries, good diet intake, preventing dental injuries and dentist visit regularly.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude of mothers about the maintenance of good oral hygiene among children.
Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted through face to face interview at Taibah University College of Dentistry and Hospital (TUCDH) during the period of January 2022–April 2022. The study recruited 384 mothers aged between 16 to 34 years. The data were calculated for categorical variables. Age of children were divided into two groups in which 293 (76.3%) were between 2-4 years of age and 336 (87.5%) mothers were between 26-34 years of age.
Results and discussion: None of the children brushed their teeth twice or after every meal and none of them were using non fluoridated toothpaste and 370 (96.4%) mothers changed brush after it was frayed. Attitude assessment of mothers revealed that none of the participant went for dental checkup in 3 and 6 months. However, 370 (96.4%) mothers needed proper guidance about appropriate oral hygiene management. It necessary to start pre-school dental service among the schools in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion: These findings assist dental professionals in modifying oral health prevention activities and to make oral health promotion efforts effective to enhance the oral health of young children.