Shivam Bhardwaj, Shivani Dwivedi, Surbhi Gupta, Sukriti Gupta, Nidhi Prasad, Tarun Meher

ABSTRACT

Background: The present study was conducted to assess association of maternal oral health related knowledge, attitude, and socioeconomic status with dental caries status of pre- school children. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 430 preschool children and their mothers. It comprised of 7 questions on the knowledge and attitude of mothers about the oral health of their preschool children. Socioeconomic status (SES) of mothers was recorded. Results: Age group 3 years had 85 boys and 80 girls, age group 4 years had 70 boys and 50 girls and age group 5 years had 75 boys and 70 girls. In response to question teeth of more importance for care, 82% replied correct answer, 90% gave correct answer that teeth should be cleaned, 72% replied correct answer to the food items that can lead to dental caries, 56% knew about ideal time to visit a dentist, 70% knew that dirty teeth can cause gum bleeding, 65% replied that sweets should be consumed and 71% gave correct answer about best method to keep teeth clean. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). There was significant higher number of children with dental caries whose mother knowledge and attitude was poor as compared to those who had good knowledge and attitude (P< 0.05). There was higher prevalence of dental caries in children whose mothers had lower SES (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that mothers had poor knowledge and attitude about their children oral health and dental caries. There was significant higher number of children with dental caries whose mothers’ knowledge and attitude was poor.