A cross-sectional investigation was carried out to evaluate the beliefs and awareness of parents of children on preventive dentistry
https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0157
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The branch of dentistry known as preventive dentistry focuses on treatments and lifestyle choices that assist individuals in preventing the onset or progression of oral disease. It involves both patient-performed dental care at home and professional dental staff-performed dental care and education in an office or clinic. Fluoride is frequently used to avoid and eradicate dental cavities, new unfavorable media coverage and worries regarding careless fluoride usage contributed to a change in parental attitudes. The benefit of fluoride and possible natural or herbal substitutes, this study investigates parental knowledge, preferences, and attitudes toward preventive interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. A survey study was the design of our investigation. Parents of children ages 6 to 14 whom brought their children to the Dijlah University Department of Pediatric Dentistry for examination or treatment were given a 9-questions survey form as part of the study, 300 parents participated in the study. Numbers and percentages were used to record the data.
RESULTS. 155 (51.6%) of the parents said they would prefer natural alternatives to fluorinated varnish if they were given a choice to use natural herbal components instead. There was a statistically significant correlation found between the parents’ educational level and their observations on the effects of fluoride (p < 0.05). Just 19 parents (6.3%) who were university graduates believed fluoride had negative consequences, in contrast to 59 (19.6%) of parents who were primary graduates believed fluoride had negative consequences.
CONCLUSIONS. some parents continue to avoid using fluoride products, and parents lack adequate attitudes and thoughtful regarding oral and dental health prevention measures. Therefore, parents need to be aware of fluoride consumption and its impact on children’s health.
About the Authors
M.Q. M. Fahmi
College of Dentistry, Musransiriyah university
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Mohammed Qays Mahmoud Fahmi – BDS, MSc, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive, Orthodontic, Pedodontic Dentistry
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
L.A. A. Almallah
College of Dentistry , Dijlah university
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Lubna Abdulelah Abdulrahman Almallah – BDS, MSc, Lecturer, Department of Preventive, Orthodontic, Pedodontic Dentistry
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
W. K. Al-Lehaibi
College of Dentistry , Dijlah university
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Wurood Khairallah Al-Lehaibi – BDS, MSc, Lecturer, Department of Preventive, Orthodontic, Pedodontic Dentistry
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Review
For citations:
Fahmi M.M., Almallah L.A., Al-Lehaibi W.K. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out to evaluate the beliefs and awareness of parents of children on preventive dentistry. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(1):43-48. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0157
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