Abstract:
Purpose. The purpose of the recent study conducted in Aktobe City Children’s Dental
Clinic, Kazakhstan is to investigate association between level of parental knowledge
about oral hygiene and dental caries prevalence of their children.
Methods. Mixed method was used. Overall, 164 parents were interviewed by
questionnaires to ascertain their knowledge and practice of oral hygiene care, their
children were examined for evidence of caries, and the results were compared.
Results. 98% children attending the clinic had dental caries with a severity index
score (DMFT index) of 5.5. From the parents’ statements it was found that 28%
of their children brush their teeth only once a day (in contrast to the international
recommendations for twice a day) and these children have a higher prevalence rates
of caries. In addition, 12% of children were stated to brush their teeth for 1 minute
each time (in contrast to the international recommendations for 2-3 minutes) and these
children also showed a trend towards a higher prevalence of caries. 3.7% parents do
not believe that oral health is associated with diet and 38.4 % parents do not know
about this.
Conclusion. These results highlight the need to make further efforts to educate parents
on international standards for oral hygiene.
Description:
Purpose. The purpose of the recent study conducted in Aktobe City Children’s Dental
Clinic, Kazakhstan is to investigate association between level of parental knowledge
about oral hygiene and dental caries prevalence of their children.
Methods. Mixed method was used. Overall, 164 parents were interviewed by
questionnaires to ascertain their knowledge and practice of oral hygiene care, their
children were examined for evidence of caries, and the results were compared.
Results. 98% children attending the clinic had dental caries with a severity index
score (DMFT index) of 5.5. From the parents’ statements it was found that 28%
of their children brush their teeth only once a day (in contrast to the international
recommendations for twice a day) and these children have a higher prevalence rates
of caries. In addition, 12% of children were stated to brush their teeth for 1 minute
each time (in contrast to the international recommendations for 2-3 minutes) and these
children also showed a trend towards a higher prevalence of caries. 3.7% parents do
not believe that oral health is associated with diet and 38.4 % parents do not know
about this.
Conclusion. These results highlight the need to make further efforts to educate parents
on international standards for oral hygiene.
