Original Research
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Concerning Infant Oral Health Care Among Parents in Tumakuru District – A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Year: 2025
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Pages: 42–53
Authors
Mahesh Kumar¹, Subhathira², Dipali³, Nikhitha⁴, Uthkarsh⁵, Jyothsna⁶
Corresponding Author
Dr. Maheshkumar K
Email: kmaheshkumarbds@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Infant oral health (IOH) is fundamental to establishing good oral health practices and preventing early childhood caries. Parents play a vital role in maintaining infant oral hygiene; however, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding IOH may influence the effectiveness of preventive oral health measures. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning infant oral health care among parents in the Tumakuru district, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 parents attending the Outpatient Department of Paediatrics at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and the Outpatient Department of Pedodontics at Sri Siddhartha Dental College, Tumakuru, Karnataka. Data were collected using a structured 24-item questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics and parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infant oral health care. Statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between demographic variables and KAP scores. Results: Most parents demonstrated good knowledge regarding dental decay caused by sweet foods (66%), whereas awareness regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste (19.7%) and the recommended timing of the first dental visit (25.8%) was limited. No statistically significant differences were observed in knowledge (p=0.587), attitude (p=0.607), or practice (p=0.251) scores among the study participants. However, practice scores were significantly associated with the parents' educational level (p=0.047) and the number of children in the family (p=0.050). Conclusion: Parents play a pivotal role in promoting infant oral health, and the pedodontic triangle serves as an important foundation for planning oral health awareness programs. Timely education regarding appropriate feeding practices, avoidance of nighttime bottle feeding, toothbrushing, and regular dental visits should be emphasized by healthcare professionals to improve infant oral health outcomes.
Keywords
Pediatric Dentistry, Child, Oral Health, Parents, Infant
How to Cite This Article
Mahesh Kumar, Subhathira, Dipali, Nikhitha, Uthkarsh, Jyothsna. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Concerning Infant Oral Health Care Among Parents in Tumakuru District – A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. Int J Pedo Rehab 2025;10(2):42–53. https://doi.org/10.56501/Intjpedorehab.102.ijped0012
