AWARENESS OF MOTHERS TOWARDS ORAL HYGIENE OF THEIR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN ISMAILIA CITY-EGYPT: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

ALSCHARIEF, MOHAMED HASSAN; Farag, Mohamed; Elnemr, Reham

doi:10.21608/dsu.2025.350485.1281

AWARENESS OF MOTHERS TOWARDS ORAL HYGIENE OF THEIR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN ISMAILIA CITY-EGYPT: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Post graduate student .Department Pediatric dentistry ,dental public health and Preventive Dentistry.

² Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry - Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt

10.21608/dsu.2025.350485.1281

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Aim: Appropriate oral wellness is essential for proper physical
growth and social development with self-trust and early attention being given for
preschool age children oral health is crucial to avoid later dental problems. Maternal
knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding this issue is a cornerstone in proper
implantation of dental hygiene aspects and also to transfer such attitude and practices to
their offspring. Therefore, evaluating mothers’ oral health-related behaviors, attitudes,
and knowledge was the current study’s goal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was
conducted using a questionnaire administered to 250 mothers of preschool children
aged 3 to 5 years. These children were enrolled in both public and private schools in
Ismailia City, Egypt, and were accompanied by their mothers. Data collection involved
interviews using systematic forms. Results: Over half of the participants (53.2%)
demonstrated inadequate practices. Additionally, 46% showed only a fair attitude,
and 39.2% of the mothers lacked sufficient knowledge regarding their children’s
oral hygiene. Conclusion: The findings indicate that many mothers have inadequate
knowledge and practices related to their children’s dental hygiene, contributing to a
widespread prevalence of poor oral health behaviors.

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