Abstract

AWARENESS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHILD’S ORAL HEALTH AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN’S MOTHERS IN CHENNAI

Dr. A. Vinita Mary*, Dr. Kesavan R., Dr. Divya U., Dr. Elakiya V., Dr. Dalmia D.

Abstract

A study on prevalence and associated etiological factors of ECC (early childhood caries). This study aimed to find the prevalence of ECC and the associated factors among preschool children in Chennai. Early childhood caries is a chronic infectious disease affecting the primary teeth, especially when the baby is sleeping with on demand breast or bottle feeding. The samples were selected according to convenience. The study shows that in spite of good knowledge among mothers, their attitude and practices are lacking to keep up with necessary standards. Mothers play a pivotal role and also mothers are the primary caretakers. Therefore, the main focus should be on parents during oral health promotion for children, especially of preschoolers and children (<6 years).

Keywords: Early childhood caries, Breast feeding, preschool children.