Evaluation of parental knowledge, attitudes and practices in preschool children on importance of primary teeth and some related factors among subjects attending Semnan University of Medical Sciences dental clinic

Knowledge is a necessary component for behavioral changes, including behaviors related to oral health and oral disease prevention. Families have the most important role in children's teeth and mouth hygiene. This study aimed to determine parental knowledge, attitudes and practices in preschool children on importance of primary teeth and some related factors among subjects referred to the dental clinic in Semnan University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).
This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study on 267 parents of preschool children reffering to the dental clinic of SUMS. Data was gathered by means of a questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire was composed of 22 parts including 21 multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question. Descriptive statistics containing frequency tables, mean, standard deviation, multiple and simple logistic regression tests was used.
About 51.1% of parents had low level knowledge and 48.9% had good knowledge and 60 percent of parents had a good practice. There was a significant relation between Lower economic status, attitudes and lower practice of parents (p Educating parents regarding the importance of caring for primary teeth should be in line with the individual needs of children and parents to succeed in the prevention programs of oral diseases in children.