Creencias y prácticas de salud bucal de padres de párvulos: estudio cualitativo

Among oral pathologies, dental caries is the one that is easy to prevent with dental hygiene measures. Since the 1990's, oral health education has aimed at instilling the habit of tooth brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to prevent this disease. However, there is a need to understand the effect of the context on the expected outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the oral health practices of parents of pre-school children in an urban community of the Metropolitan Region of Chile, Lo Prado.

Method

This was a qualitative study with a descriptive design, and a non-probabilistic sample of 14 parents, using in-depth interviews.

Results

The analysis of the results was performed starting from transcription and codification of the descriptions made by the mothers, generating categories: (1) Oral health care, (2) persons in charge of teaching the tooth brushing habit, (3) use of fluoride dentifrices, (4) perception of oral health status, (5) associated positive or negative stimuli, and (6) the need for more information on oral health issues.

Conclusions

Oral health is perceived to correlate with a good appearance, and to attain it, a good oral hygiene is considered important, along with a reduction in the amount of carbohydrates ingested. Women are the ones that are socially in charge of the establishment and maintenance of this habit.