Purpose of the Article
This article aims to explain parental knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs toward the oral health and dental care of preschool children in an Indian population. A good understanding of parental knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and awareness regarding oral health is important for improving health promotion efforts focused on elevating the dental health of young children. Educational and promotional programs about oral hygiene, feeding practices, and diet should get a lot of credit for encouraging people to access preventive dental healthcare early. Despite their efforts, this article highlights that India still faces many challenges in providing oral health needs to preschool children, especially those in remote areas.
During the study, it was realized that at least half of the parents did not brush their children’s teeth under the age of two, and a child between 3-4 years was expected to start brushing their teeth. About 39.8% of the parents admitted to having never studied the brushing technique of their children or even given brushing instructions to them (Chhabra & Chhabra, 2012). About 65% said that the treatment of decayed primary teeth was important, and others denied that primary teeth problems could affect permanent successors (Chhabra & Chhabra, 2012). Most parents recognized that intake of sweets and sticky foods often could lead to tooth decay, but they were unaware that bacteria involved in dental carry could be transferred from children to them.
Chief Findings
The authors concluded that there is a necessity for intensive, coordinated efforts by pediatricians, pediatric dentists, and other healthcare professionals required to cultivate and support positive attitudes among parents. Preventive programs are necessary for preschools to encourage early preventive visits for preschoolers and raise parents’ awareness of preventive oral health care, oral hygiene practices, food, and feeding habits. Only 20% of the respondents reported they took their children for professional oral care in childhood for preventive treatment (Chhabra & Chhabra 2012). The parents also reported fewer dental visits, fear of the treatment, high dental treatment costs, and difficulty accessing the clinic.
My Thoughts
I believe that cultural views around dental care and the proper function of an extended family member can have a negative impact on a parent’s decision regarding oral health care for their children. This could be mitigated by emphasizing the significance of oral health and ensuring that primary care oral health services are easily available and reasonably priced. Multidisciplinary approaches to improving elementary school dental health are required, and new health promotion methodologies, particularly persuasive interviewing and community development approaches are encouraging and should be endorsed.
References
Chhabra, N., & Chhabra, A. (2012). Parental knowledge, attitudes and cultural beliefs regarding oral health and dental care of preschool children in an Indian population: A quantitative study. European Archives of Pediatric Dentistry, 13(2), 1-5.