MATERNAL AWARENESS, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING TODDLER ORAL CARE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, GUNTUR, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Introduction: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting infants and young children. Maternal knowledge regarding infant oral health plays a crucial role in its prevention. This study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding toddler oral health care. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 first-time mothers of children aged 0–3 years attending a tertiary care hospital in Guntur. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic details and sections on knowledge, attitude, and practices related to infant oral health. Results: The mean age of participants was 25.4 ± 3.04 years. A large proportion of mothers (78.3%) were unaware that decay in primary teeth can affect permanent teeth, and only 13.5% had ever visited a dentist. However, most participants (98.3%) expressed willingness to receive further information on infant oral care. Regarding practices, 62.2% reported adding sugar to milk during bottle feeding, while 73.5% cleaned their infant’s gums using fingers and 60.9% practiced once-daily oral cleaning. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate knowledge but generally positive attitudes and partially satisfactory practices among mothers. A significant association was observed between socioeconomic status and attitude and practice scores, whereas no association was found with knowledge. Targeted educational and behavioral interventions are necessary to improve early childhood oral health outcomes.