Parents Ability to Distinguish Between Primary and Permanent Teeth and Knowledge Regarding Eruption Age of First Permanent Tooth among Davangere Population

Purpose: To investigate ability of parents to identify and differentiate between primaryand permanent teeth and knowledge on eruption age of permanent first molar.Method: 337 parents (240 male, 97 female, mean age 39) were included in this study.All the children of age 6-12years were examined and first and fourth quadrant andparents asked to identify the permanent teeth among them. Each of their answer correctas zero(incorrect answer)one(correct answer) and the total score was calculated.Results: 43% correctly identified that first primary teeth erupt at 6 months of age and29 % identified that first permanent teeth erupt at 6 years of age.Conclusion: Parents do not have sufficient knowledge to differentiate between primaryand permanent teeth also eruption age of permanent teeth among Davangerepopulation. Education and awareness is required about children’s oral health.