Influence of parents' oral health knowledge and attitudes on oral health practices of children (5-12 years) in a rural school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Context: Oral health knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of parents have a direct influence on their child's oral health maintenance, dietary habits, and oral health behaviors. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, and attitude of parents with regard to the oral health practice of their children and its associated factorsMaterial and Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire was administered to parents or guardians of learners aged 5-12 years at a low socioeconomic rural primary school in the Ugu district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In addition to demographic variables, knowledge of dental health, use of toothbrush, use of toothpaste, dietary practices, and dental visits; practice with respect to dental care; and attitudes toward oral health were requested. Results: One hundred and forty-four completed survey instruments were received with an 80% (118) representation of mothers. Ninety-five percent of the parents (136) had a positive attitude toward oral health with 86% (124) of the children brushed their tongue and 89% (128) of the children brushed their teeth happily. The mean knowledge score was 70%. Children were significantly more likely to brush their tongues (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.20 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-9.66 P < 0.001), be happier when brushing their teeth (AOR: 4.65 95% CI: 1.41-15.38 P < 0.001) when the caregivers were their mothers, had an above-average knowledge score (AOR: 1.86 95% CI: 0.72-4.85) and positive attitudes (AOR: 3.20 95%CI: 0.46-22.00). Conclusion: Parents in the rural community have satisfactory knowledge and a positive attitude toward oral health and children display good practices; however, there are a number of gaps noted in overall parental knowledge.