Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Periodontal Health Among Parents of Pedodontic Patients

Abstract

Aim:Family is the most important environment where children acquire knowledge, attitudes, and habits related to oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of parents toward periodontal health and diseases, and the relationship of their knowledge and attitudes with demographic data. Materials and Methods: 500 parents, referred for the treatment of their children were included in the study. The knowledge and attitudes of the parents were assessed using a self-administered and structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: 33.0% parents and 33.6% children brushed their teeth twice or more daily. 17% parents and 8.6% children used dental floss/interdental brush, and 77% parents visited a dentist only when they experienced dental complaints. Most parents incorrectly defined the meaning of dental plaque and did not know its role in the etiology of gingival diseases. 47.4% of them were aware that bleeding gums indicated the presence of periodontal disease, while only 11.8% knew that one of the main reasons of tooth loss was periodontal disease. It was also evident that the use of dental floss significantly increased with an increase in income level (p<0.05), and the knowledge and attitude of the parents regarding periodontal health significantly increased with the educational level (p<0.05). Conclusion:The knowledge and attitude of the parents regarding periodontal health were poor. Thus, an improvement in the knowledge and awareness among the parents can prevent or reduce the severity of possible periodontal problems in their children.

Evaluation of knowledge about and attitudes towards toothbrush disinfection, personal plaque control, and periodontal diseases of patients presenting to dental clinics

“…Normally, these individuals are expected to have a higher awareness of toothbrushing. In another study 35 conducted with parents, this rate was reported as 33%, which is consistent with our study.…”