A cross-sectional study on knowledge and awareness toward their children's oral health among parents in Khammam City, Telangana, India

• Author Details:   
• Vasanthii Done ^*
• N Venugopal Reddy
• M Ajay Reddy
• V Daneswari
• E Mounika
• Vemula Durga Naga Krishna Aparna

Background: Maintaining good oral health is essential for a child's overall health and well-being, serving as the foundation for a disease-free life. As parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in a child's development, their knowledge and attitude toward oral health significantly impact the child's dental habits and long-term oral health outcomes.
Aim: The objective of this study was to assess parental knowledge and attitudes related to their children’s oral health in Khammam, Telangana.
Materials and Methods: This study involved a random sample of 360 parents of children aged 5 to 15 years, who completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The survey focused on preventive oral methods, care of deciduous teeth, children's oral habits, and the management and storage of traumatic dental injuries. The responses were collected and analyzed using statistical methods.
Results: There was a significant relation between age, occupation and income when awareness was assessed among parents regarding preventive oral methods and habits. Majority of parents have no idea on traumatic and sports injuries. The age showed significant association with the awareness of healthy milk teeth. The use of preventive procedures was significantly associated with income and education levels (P < 0>
Conclusion: Our study revealed that understanding of their children's dental health in the Khammam region is relatively moderate. To improve this, general awareness among parents should be enhanced through effective oral health programs and interventions.

Keywords: Oral health, Parents, Preventive procedures, Awareness, Traumatic injuries.