2020, Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Beautily, Shanmugi J and Subash A

abstract
Dental caries is more prevalent in Asia and Latin America while less severe in Africa. It is relatively high in America as compared to other countries. The main reason of dental caries in developing countries in rural areas is consumption of processed sugar and inadequate oral hygiene. Dental caries is an infectious disease that affects 60-90% of children worldwide between the ages of 2 to 11 year. The children under 5 years of age usually spend most of their time with their parents and caregivers, especially mothers, even when they join playgroups. The present study aims to assess the knowledge on prevention of dental carries among mothers of school children in Koyambedu. A non-experimental descriptive research design was conducted among 30 mothers of school Childrenby using convenience sampling technique. The demographic data and knowledge was assessed using self-structured interview questionnaire. Out of 30 samples 12(40%) members had mild knowledge, 10(33%) members had moderate level of knowledge, 8(27%) members had severe level of knowledge. Mean scores for mild (8.62), moderate (12.1) and severe (18.17) and standard deviation score for mild (1.685), moderate (0.9944) and severe (1.7495). Mothers have moderate knowledge on dental hygiene in Koyambedu. Conducting structured teaching program will help the mothers to maintain good oral hygiene.