Parental knowledge and awareness of first permanent molars: Their role in permanent dentition and their correlation with ICDAS scores, plaque levels, and gingival indexes

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between the ICDAS score, gingival index, and amount of plaque on permanent first molars in children's mouths and parental knowledge and awareness about these teeth. Data on parents' knowledge, attitudes, awareness and competence levels about permanent first molars were collected by means of a questionnaire directed to parents. Information regarding the permanent first molars present in children's mouths was gathered through the collection of retrospective intraoral data. The information was processed and analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 29.0. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistical tests were performed. The study involved 135 parents with an average age(±SD) of 38.10±6.49 years. Upon analyzing the combined data from the questionnaires and intraoral assessments, a statistically significant correlation emerged between the families' knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and competency regarding their children's permanent first molars and the ICDAS score, gingival index, and plaque amount, indicative of the health status of those molars. Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between the level of knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and competency of families regarding their children's permanent first molars and the educational attainment of the parents. According to the results of the study, there was a statistically significant correlation between the level of knowledge, attitude, awareness and competence of families about permanent first molars and the frequency of tooth brushing and the number of sugary foods consumed daily between meals. The study concluded that the well-being of children's permanent first molars is directly influenced by the knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and competency level of their families regarding these teeth. Given the significant role of permanent first molars in safeguarding children's oral health, raising awareness among families about the significance and proper care of these teeth should be prioritized as a crucial goal.