Arham Nawaz Chohan.
Saudi Fathers` knowledge and attitude toward Oral Health behavior of their Children.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;23(2):167-70.

The purpose of the study was to determine fathers` knowledge and attitude about the oral health behavior of their children. A convenient sample of fathers was collected who accompanied their children to King Saud University, College of Dentistry (KSUCD), Pediatric Dentistry clinics, Riyadh. The information about oral health behavior of their children was obtained through a specially designed questionnaire. A total of 173 (86.5%) questionnaires were returned out of the 200 distributed among the fathers. Majority (89%) of the fathers responded that their children were using toothbrush; only 1.7% children were using miswak. Regarding dental care habits, 38.2% of the children brushed their teeth twice- and 36.4% once-daily. Fluoridated toothpaste was utilized by 83.8% of the children. Less than one-fifth (16.8%) of the fathers were helping their children in tooth brushing. Majority (76.9%) of the fathers were very well aware about the harmful effects of decayed primary teeth on permanent successors, however most (61.8%) of them took their children for the first dental visit at the age of 3 years. Although 70.5% of the fathers responded that routine dental check up visit of their children should be every six months, most (77.5%) of them took their children to a dentist only due to a dental problem. Although a large percentage of the children was consuming healthy foods, the consumption of sugary products were also higher in the children. In conclusion, majority of the fathers were well versed with the oral health behavior of their children. However, there were shortcomings in the areas f attitude and practice.

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