Parental knowledge and practices regarding their children’s oral health in Kuwait

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of parents toward their children's oral health in
Kuwait.

Methods

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 parents who visited five
dental specialty centers in Kuwait. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Statistics: The statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS software (version 21; Inc., Chicago IL, USA). Data were descriptively analysed, and a chi-square test was used
to determine whether each individual question varied across different sociodemographic characteristics. The overall mean knowledge
and practice scores were calculated. Statistical significance was set at p 0.05.

Results

The study results revealed poor parental
knowledge and practices with regard to their children's oral health. Oral hygiene and feeding practices were found to be disappointing.
Major weakness were observed in infant oral health-related concepts including transmission of cariogenic bacteria, nocturnal bottle
feeding, and the time of the first dental visit. However, most parents identified the meaning of gum bleeding and the role of bacteria in
causing it. Furthermore, participants demonstrated positive role in their children's daily oral hygiene. A significant better knowledge was
detected among female subjects in areas like bacterial transmission (P = 0.031) and aetiology of gingivitis (P = 0.001). Additionally,
caregivers residing in Capital governorate showed a significantly better knowledge in bacterial transmission (P = 0.000) and meaning of
bleeding gum (P = 0.001) and a significantly better practice with regard to the introduction of hot food to the child for the first time (P =
0.000).

Conclusion

Parents in Kuwait seemed to have weak knowledge and practices with regard to their children's oral health.
Coordinated efforts by health professionals, including paediatricians and paediatric dentists, are required to increase parental
awareness regarding oral hygiene habits, diet and feeding practices, and to promote early preventive visits to the dentists.

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