Parental Attitudes and Knowledge toward the Child?s Oral Hygiene and Nutrition

Abstract

Azamat Omargali, Raisa Uraz, Taurzhan Aldabergenova, Anarbek Utepov, Sagintay Iztleyov, Daulet Zhienbayev

Objectives: The aim of the recent study conducted in Aktobe City Children's Dental Clinic, Kazakhstan, was to investigate relationships between level of parental knowledge about oral hygiene and prevalence of dental caries of their children.
Methods: Mixed method approach was used. Overall, 164 parents were interviewed by questionnaires to ascertain their knowledge and practice of oral hygiene care, and their children were examined for evidence of caries, and the results compared.
Results: Overall, of those children attending the clinic, 98% had dental caries with a severity index score (DMFT index) of 5.5. From the parents' statements it was found that 28% of their children brush their teeth only once per day (in contrast to the international recommendations for twice per day) and these children had a higher prevalence rates of caries. In addition, 12% of children were stated to brush their teeth for 1 minute each time (in contrast to the international recommendations for 2-3 minutes) and these children also showed a trend towards a higher prevalence of caries. Finally, asked if oral health is linked to diet, 3.7% of parents did not believe so, and 38.4 % responded that they did not know. Conclusion: These results highlight the need to make further efforts to educate parents on the basics of international standards for oral hygiene.
Clinical significance: This study forms the basis for further investigation of the linkage between of parental level of knowledge about oral hygiene and oral health status of their children. Furthermore, even though there is no significant statistical significance, comparing the results of the collected data clearly indicates the need for oral health promotion among the population of Aktobe city, Kazakhstan.