Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward first dental visits in children aged 0–14 years: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background : Timely dental visits during childhood are essential for preventing oral health issues. Nevertheless, parents' knowledge and attitudes largely determine whether children receive dental care at an appropriate age. Gaining insight into parental understanding, behaviors, and cultural barriers is key to enhancing pediatric oral health outcomes.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents concerning their children's dental care, with a particular emphasis on factors influencing the timing and motivation for the first dental visit.Methodology : A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire administered to parents of children aged 0 to 14 years attending a tertiary care hospital. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS software (version 31) to identify significant associations between variables.Results: Findings indicated that many parents postponed their child’s initial dental visit until symptoms such as pain or visible cavities emerged. Preventive dental checkups were infrequent. Awareness regarding the recommended age for the first dental consultation and the significance of primary teeth was notably lower among parents with limited educational attainment. Conclusion : The study highlights a critical gap in parental awareness about early pediatric dental care. Tailored oral health education initiatives are essential to promote early intervention and encourage timely dental visits.