Summary
Introduction. Epidemiological studies assessing the dental awareness of respondents allow to determine not only oral treatment needs of the population, but also encourage the promotion of health. Particular importance is the health education of parents who make the future patterns of behavior of their children.
Aim. The objective of this research was to evaluate to awareness of oral health, health-oriented attitude of mothers of children aged 6 years, health education needs of this group of people in the region of Mazovia.
Material and methods. In study the evaluation of the dental awareness of mothers of children aged 6 years, based on surveys in the region of Mazovia, was made. Survey forms were distributed among 157 mothers of children 6 years old randomly selected (94 from urban environment, 63 from the rural environment) in the region of Mazovia.
Results. 54% of mothers in urban environment and 24% of the rural environment of the child visited the dentist in the last 6 months. In the city of brushing teeth twice a day were three times more often used. Most teeth were brushed only after supper (45% respondents). 75% of mothers from the city often helped the child to brush teeth. In rural areas the figure was 25%. Most mothers were aware of the presence of fluoride in toothpaste used by children. There was a high intake of white bread, dairy products and low consumption of vegetables and wholemeal bread. 50% of mothers from the city and 31% from rural areas redused to their children cariogenic products. 70% of mothers regarded that it isn’t necessary to care for the deciduous teeth because they are quickly replaced by permanent teeth. Most mothers have a strong belief in the genetic determinants of caries. 60% of respondents felt that the dental floss is only used for removing debris. 75% of mothers assessed their knowledge of dental care as satisfactory. Most indicated the source of knowledge was a dentist (67%) and mass media. The least often used a public dental care.
Conclusions. A high percentage of parents’ satisfaction with oral health of their children despite the discrepancy with the clinical condition, evidence of downplaying the importance of their maintaining the health of primary teeth, and requires the implementation of appropriate educational and health promotion. Children assume patterns of behavior in maintaining daily oral hygiene mainly from their parents. Restrictions for children with eating sweets, on the other hand, sweetening the tea, serving mainly white and sweet bread, a small amount of fruit and vegetables, shows incomplete knowledge of parents about the “hidden sugar”, as well as healthy eating. Despite the wide availability of products for oral hygiene, some of them (such as dental floss, mouthwash with fluoride) are rarely or inadequately applied, which among others, strengthens the role of relevant educational programs.