EC Dental Science

Background: Dental caries remains a prevalent chronic condition affecting children's oral health. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's hygiene practices, influenced by education and socioeconomic status. This study assesses caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding their children's oral hygiene.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Modinagar from June to August 2024, involving 368 participants selected via simple random sampling. Data was collected using a validated, structured questionnaire covering demographics and oral hygiene practices. Statistical analysis included t-tests and ANOVA to examine associations between KAP scores, education, and age.

Result: No significant gender-based difference was found in knowledge scores. However, education level and age significantly influenced awareness and practices (p = 0.000, p = 0.006). The 26-35 age group exhibited the highest engagement in oral hygiene practices. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between age and key behaviors, such as gum pad cleaning (p = 0.021) and toothpaste brand awareness (p = 0.000). Dentists were the primary source of information (p = 0.027).

Conclusion: Parental education and age significantly impact children's oral hygiene practices. Strengthening parental awareness through professional guidance can enhance children's long-term oral health outcomes.

 Keywords: Dental Caries; Oral Hygiene; Care Givers; Education Level; Child Oral Health; Knowledge; Practice

1. Tinanoff Norman. "Dental caries”. Pediatric Dentistry (2019): 169-179.
2. Chen MS., et al. “Oral health and quality of life in New Zealand: a social perspective”. Social Science and Medicine (1982)8 (1996): 1213-1222.
3. Corrêa-Faria Patrícia., et al. “Dental caries, but not malocclusion or developmental defects, negatively impacts preschoolers' quality of life”. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry3 (2016): 211-219.
4. Poutanen Raija., et al. “Parental influence on children's oral health-related behavior”. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica5 (2006): 286-292.
5. Bittencourt Jéssica Madeira., et al. “Psychosocial associated factors of early childhood caries and oral health-related quality of life: Structural equation model approach”. Journal of Dentistry 133 (2023): 104506.
6. Costa Simone M., et al. “A systematic review of socioeconomic indicators and dental caries in adults”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health10 (2012): 3540-3574.
7. Saldūnaitė Kristina., et al. “The role of parental education and socioeconomic status in dental caries prevention among Lithuanian children”. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)3 (2014): 156-161.
8. Advies cariëspreventie: praktische handleiding voor wie professionele adviezen geeft over preventieve mondzorg (2011).
9. Pérez-Portilla Tanny., et al. "The importance of toothbrushing and oral hygiene in maintaining oral health”. Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry 10 (2023): 511-519.
10. Skafida V., et al. “Positive association between sugar consumption and dental decay prevalence independent of oral hygiene in pre-school children: a longitudinal prospective study”. Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England)3 (2018): e275-e283.
11. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Clinical Affairs Committee--Infant Oral Health Subcommittee. “Guideline on infant oral health care”. Pediatric Dentistry5 (2012): e148-e152.
12. Largent Beverly A., et al. Featuring Kristi Yamaguchi. Conrad and Associates, LLC (2009).
13. Setty JV., et al. “Knowledge and awareness of primary teeth and their importance among parents in Bengaluru City, India”. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 1 (2016): 56-61.
14. Minervini Giuseppe., et al. “Children oral health and parents education status: a cross sectional study”. BMC Oral Health1 (2023): 787.
15. S Vaishnavi., et al. “Assessment of knowledge and practices of parents regarding infant oral health care in Chennai city -a cross-sectional study”. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences52 (2020): 3945-3949.
16. Nagaraj A., et al. “Infant oral health knowledge and awareness: disparity among pregnant women and mothers visiting a government health care organization”. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 3 (2012): 167-172.
17. Hoeft Kristin S., et al. “Mexican American mothers' initiation and understanding of home oral hygiene for young children”. Pediatric Dentistry5 (2009): 395-404.
18. Winnier J Jasmin., et al. "Oral hygiene maintenance in children-A survey of parental awareness”. International Journal Oral Health Medical Research 4 (2015).
19. Bakakrishnan BA., et al. “Knowledge and awareness about importance of primary dentition among parents and pediatricians”. Journal of South Asian Association of Pediatric Dentistry 1 (2023): 25-30.