1Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, National Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi, Punjab, India
2Reader & Head, Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Sri Sukhmani Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi, Punjab, India
3Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, National Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi, Punjab, India
*Corresponding Author: Neha Singla, Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, National Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi, Punjab, India, Email: neha.agg2510@gmail.com
Online Published on 23 July, 2024.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral health education on the knowledge, attitude and practice of parents and on the oral health status of their preschool children.
Self structured questionnaires were distributed to the children which were to be filled by their parents. 417 completed questionnaires were returned. Children were examined for plaque and gingival status at baseline. Oral health education was imparted to the parents. After a period of 6 weeks, the questionnaires were distributed again and the children were re-examined for GI and PI scores.
Significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of parents towards the oral health of children as well as feeding practices were seen. The oral health status of the children also improved significantly.
The direct relationship between oral health knowledge, attitude and practice of parents and the oral health status of their preschool children can be utilized for improving the oral health of children. Educating the parents significantly improves the oral health status of the children.
Education, Preschool, Parents, Oral hygiene
