The Impact of Parental Knowledge on Oral Health Maintenance and The Prevalence of Dental Caries in Toddlers at Posyandu in Sungai Gelam

Background: Maintaining oral health is crucial for young children, but many parents may not have adequate knowledge about proper dental care, leading to higher rates of dental caries. This study explores the impact of parental understanding on the prevalence of dental caries among toddlers attending Posyandu in Sungai Gelam. Method: The research design used was a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of parents and toddlers at Posyandu Sambung Rasa Tujuh, Rt 34, Kec. Sungai Gelam, with up to 30 participants. Sampling was done using total sampling. Examination sheets and questionnaires were used as research instruments. Data collection involved individual examinations of teeth and mouth to determine the prevalence of dental caries in children under 5 years old, as well as completing a questionnaire about parents' knowledge on oral health maintenance.Result: Based on the research results, the prevalence of dental caries among toddlers at Posyandu was 19 individuals (63.3%), and there were 11 parents (36.7%) with high knowledge. This indicated a relationship between parental knowledge about oral health maintenance and the prevalence of dental caries in toddlers at Posyandu Sambung Rasa Tujuh, Rt 34, Kec. Sungai Gelam (p-value = 0.047).Conclusion: there was a significant relationship between parental knowledge of oral health and the prevalence of dental caries in toddlers.