Awareness and Perception of Oral Health Care in Infants and Children among Pediatricians in Srinagar City

Abstract

Introduction: Parents frequently seek Paediatricians supervision during normal growth and development of their children. The repeated contact between patients and paediatricians renders an ideal prospect for Paediatricians to determine risks associated with oral health and enlighten parents on counselling and preventive treatment modalities during development phases. The study was thus aimed to gather information and assess knowledge and attitude of the Paediatricians from Srinagar city regarding oral health in infants and children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was organized between January 2019 and May 2019 to assess Paediatricians awareness regarding dental health and their attitudes in relation to oral health. This study was performed among 50 randomly selected Paediatricians of Srinagar city. Data was collected and subjected to descriptive analysis. Results: Majority of the Paediatricians were familiar of the speciality of pediatric dentistry, the significance of milk teeth and considered the importance of periodic dental visits for children. It was also revealed that most of the Paediatricians showed significantly less awareness (P<0.05) of the first dental visit, early childhood caries, fissure sealants, importance of fluoride and role of medicated syrups in promoting dental caries. Conclusion: This survey reveals that Paediatricians strongly believed in having an active role in promoting oral health. Dental training should be incorporated in curriculum during medical training and Paediatricians need to regularly rejuvenate themselves on recent advancements and updates related to infant oral health which can be transmitted to their patients.