knowledge and practices of oral hygiene among children’s parents Riyadh

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of oral hygiene methods among parents of children age 0 - 12 years old in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Method:

A convenience sample of four hundred and sixty three male and female parents of children age 0 - 12 years old in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Parents were approached in 3 campus for Riyadh College Of Dentistry and Pharmacy An Namuthajiyah Campus, Olaya Campus and Munisiya Campus for a self administered questionnaire. These campuses located into 3 different regions of Riyadh. The questionnaire contained 19 different questions covering the knowledge of tooth decay, gingival disease, teeth eruption, oral hygiene methods, fluoride intake, frequency of tooth brushing use, visit to dentists and income level. The questionnaire was tested before embarking on the study.

Result:

Four hundred and sixty three parents, 233 (50.3%) male and 230 (48.7%) female parents responded with a response rate of 92.6% (463/500). Almost 88% of male and 92% of female parents felt that dental caries is the most common disease in chlidern, while cleaning the teeth after bottle feeding considered best method by 70% of male and 67% of female parents. 86% of male and 81% of female parents considered fever and increased salivary flow iare a signs of teeth eruption with 74% of male and 71% of female parents chosse age of 6 to 8 months as the time for first teeth eruption. 60% male and 56% female parents believe that fluoride should be used since birth while 74% male and 69% female parent conder excessive fluoride intake is not harmfull for children even 3 years and less old.

Conclusion:

  <>It is concluded that there is a need for enhancing knowledge and of parents oral hygiene methods among male and female parents and there is a need to enhance their knowledge regarding the high fluoride intake and its harmful consequences on children health. Both need more awareness regarding oral health promotion to have a positive role in children oral health.