Parental knowledge and practices on infant teething, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundParents’ false beliefs about signs and symptoms associated with teething have been documented in many studies around the world. This study was conducted to assess parental knowledge on infant teething process and to investigate parents’ practices used to alleviate teething disturbances.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children of 6 months–5 years old in Taif, Saudi Arabia during April 2013. Convenience method of sampling was adopted and the data was collected by mean of a structured-questionnaire. Data was processed by SPPS. Logistic regression analysis was performed. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, of 493 participants were included in the final analysis with mean age 35 years. Females constituted more than two-third. All the parents attributed one or more of the listed signs and symptoms to teething process. Desire to bite, fever, gum irritation, increased salivation and diarrhea were the most reported signs and symptoms of teething by 459 (93.1 %), 429 (87 %), 415 (84.2 %), 414 (84 %) and 409 (83 %) of the parents respectively. The only predictor of ascribing fever as a sign of infant teething was female gender (P = 0.001). However, female gender (P < 0.001), residence (P = 0.039) and educational level (P = 0.006) were found to be significantly associated with ascribing diarrhea as one of the teething symptoms. Only 91 (18.5 %) of the parents responded correctly to all questions designed to assess their knowledge on teething process.ConclusionsWide gaps in parents’ knowledge and practices related infant teething was identified. Educational interventions are needed to upgrade parents’ knowledge and improve their practices regarding infant teething process.

Exploring Parental Knowledge and Indigenous Practices for Infant Teething in Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Knowledge of the parents was not found to be associated with the socioeconomic status. Similar findings were reported by Elbur et al 14 However, another Indian study reported contrasting results. 7 Knowledge regarding infant care is influenced by the advice of elderly and the level of education does not necessarily influence knowledge.…”

“…Other studies reported contrasting finding. 14 An alarming fact showed by the present study was that the parents were unaware that delayed eruption could be the sign of underlying systemic disease. Certain nutritional deficiencies, hypopituitarism and hypothyroidism, can result in delayed tooth eruption.…”

“…4,13 Similar findings were also reported by various other authors. 7,[14][15][16] The findings of an Australian study indicated that few parents did not think of teething as a cause of systemic illness. 12 Hence, in the Indian population, knowledge about teething process is greatly influenced by experience rather than true scientific facts.…”

Teething symptoms and management during infancy - A narrative review

“…There are also results which showed a wide gap in knowledge and misconceptions with regards to the ascribed signs and symptoms and practices used to manage infant teething problems. 35 Aside from teething signs and symptoms, there has been a number of recommended options suggested for management and treatment.…”

Misconceptions and traditional practices toward infant teething symptoms among mothers in eastern Sudan

“…Traditionally, "blistering, placing leeches on the gums, and cauterization of the back of the head were the treatment options reported by the parents for teething" 5 . Mothers usually use systemic and topical analgesics to relieve teething pain and antibiotics to treat associated symptoms 6 . Moreover, they have their children bite objects to alleviate symptoms 7 .…”