Knowledge and awareness about infant and toddler oral healthcare among mothers- A Survey

Abstract

Background- It is crucial that mothers are informed of the risk factors linked to early childhood caries.  It is the duty of parents to maintain and enhance their child's oral and dental health after birth, and particularly in the early years. It is the pedodontist's job to educate parents, paediatricians, and prenatal counsellors about infant oral healthcare in order to close the knowledge gap.

Aim- The purpose of this study was to evaluate mothers' and expectant mothers' awareness and knowledge regarding newborn oral healthcare.

Methodology-The questionnaire, which comprised 12 items about infant and toddler oral healthcare and 5 demographic questions, was given to 157 participants, including mothers of infants, toddlers, and expectant women.  Following questionnaire collecting, the data was retrieved and examined.

 Results: Just six respondents (3.9%) possessed exceptional knowledge.  79 individuals (50.3%) had fair knowledge, whereas 39 subjects (24.8%) had strong knowledge.  33 participants, or 21%, lacked sufficient knowledge.  Housewives and working women appeared to have somewhat different levels of knowledge.

 Conclusion: Mothers' understanding of the oral health and feeding habits of their infants and toddlers appears to be lacking.