Parental knowledge and practices regarding their children's oral health in Kuwait

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of parents toward their children's oral health in Kuwait. METHODS: Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 parents who visited five dental specialty centers in Kuwait. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Statistics: The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21; Inc., Chicago IL, USA). Data were descriptively analysed, and a chi-square test was used to determine whether each individual question varied across different sociodemographic characteristics. The overall mean knowledge and practice scores were calculated. Statistical significance was set at p 0.05. CONCLUSION: Parents in Kuwait seemed to have weak knowledge and practices with regard to their children's oral health. Coordinated efforts by health professionals, including paediatricians and paediatric dentists, are required to increase parental awareness regarding oral hygiene habits, diet and feeding practices, and to promote early preventive visits to the dentists.