ASSESSMENT OF PARENTS KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING ORO-SYSTEMIC LINKS IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Aim and Background:A relationship between oral and systemic health is nothing new to us. Most of the general population assumes that systemic health only affects the organs of the body and they are unaware about the ill effects of some medical conditions on oral cavity. The aim of the study is to explore the parents/ guardians perception regarding the Oro-systemic link in their children. Methods: This study was conducted among 50 parents/guardians who came along with the children in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry. All the participants were provided with the study questionnaire which was required to be filled independently. The purpose of the study questionnaire is to gather demographic information before posing targeted questions that gauge participants awareness and understanding of the connection between oral and systemic health. Results: In this study,16% of the participants believed that oral health status has any effect on the rest of the body.A positive response was observed on the effect of vitamin and mineral deficiency on childs teeth and gum health (60% yes) and 66% participants felt that overall growth and development of the body is related to the development of dentition.Regarding the effect of medication given to the pregnant woman on childs teeth, stress, obesity, infant feeding pattern, less than 20% positive response were recorded. Conclusion: We as Pedodontists should educate general public/parents/guardians about Oro-systemic connection because with this we can ensure that the children will adopt healthy lifestyle from childhood. Clinical Significance: Imparting knowledge regarding Oro-systemic links to patients and their guardian will lead the child to adopt a healthy lifestyle from beginning.