The Mother’s knowledge, attitude and practices towards child’s oral health care in Western Maharashtra: A questionnaire study

Background: It is important to initiate basic good oral health habits in childhood so that the appropriate dental norms are established and then maintained into adult life. The family is the first institution that influences child behaviour and development, especially mothers, who are the primary model for developing behaviour. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the mothers in Pune city. All mothers having children aged below 5 years old was selected in the study. The questionnaire includes a range of response options designed to identify the awareness among the mothers towards their child’s oral health and also the various measures taken to maintain oral hygiene. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: In this study, a total of 500 subjects participated. The knowledge regarding fluorides was poor and the majority 62% of parents were unaware of the positive anti-cariogenic effect of fluoridated toothpaste on dental health. Around 91% of mothers feel it is essential to clean their child’s teeth after every meal whereas 9% feel it is not so required. Conclusion: The mother’s knowledge of the child’s oral health care was inadequate. Oral health education and school oral health programs should be conducted at regular interval.