Parental Education From Pregnancy To Birth: a Questionnaire-based Study on Promoting Oral Health and the Prevalence of Habits in Childhood Compared with Socioeconomic Factors

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Maintaining oral health and preventing dental caries are crucial for overall well-being and quality of life, especially during childhood. Parental knowledge and practices play a key role in shaping children’s oral health. This pilot study investigates parental knowledge and attitudes towards children’s oral health and preventive practices.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Family Counseling Center of Cesano Boscone, Italy, between March 2023 and September 2024. Participants were 114 parents (2 males, 112 females) of children aged 0-18 or expecting their second child. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire assessing socioeconomic background, dietary habits, risky behaviours (bottle and pacifier use), oral hygiene practices, and preventive strategies.

Results

Most participants were mothers (98.24 %). Most children had been breastfed up to six months (73.68 %), and bottle use was common (77.19 %). Dietary habits revealed that 25.43 % of the participants’ children consumed sugary foods more than once a day. Regarding oral hygiene, 7.01 % of children did not brush their teeth daily. Only 53.50 % of parents reported using fluoride toothpaste for their children, and 62.28 % were unfamiliar with occlusal sealants. A notable 50.87 % of the interviewees declared that their children feared the dentist.

Conclusion

The findings highlight key factors influencing daily habits and preventing dental diseases in children. Socioeconomic conditions influence choices related to health, diet, and prevention. The study provides a valuable overview of family practices and potential areas for improvement in children’s oral health. This study emphasises the importance of parental education in oral health prevention. The findings suggest that while breastfeeding is common, there is a need to improve the use of fluoride toothpaste and increase awareness of occlusal sealants to promote more conscious and informed health management from early childhood. Further research is needed to explore strategies for enhancing parental knowledge and promoting better oral health outcomes for children.

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