Abstract
BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of caries in children in Bahrain necessitates understanding the parental factors that influence young children's oral health, as they depend on their parents for diet and oral hygiene. The study aims to explore parents' attitudes, knowledge, and practices, and the factors that influence them in relation to children's oral health, especially early childhood caries. METHOD: A qualitative study using face-to-face interviews and semi-structured open-ended questions was conducted on a sample of 12 parents recruited from a Pediatric dental clinic. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The parents included in the study cared about their children's oral health in general. However, they had insufficient knowledge about fluoridated toothpastes and the cariogenicity of many dietary items, and the exfoliation time of primary teeth. In regard to practices, there was early introduction to bottle-feeding and late weaning, and early introduction to free sugars, especially sweetened drinks. Parents in general introduced oral hygiene practices early to their children, but mostly used toothpaste with insufficient fluoride concentration and irregular supervision of brushing. All these factors contributed to early childhood caries. Multiple environmental, social, commercial, and cultural factors affected parents' choices and practices related to children's oral health, such as living in joint families, fear of depriving children, and buying sugary items in bulk. Pain was the main instigator for seeking treatment and changing dietary and hygiene habits. Parents were open to early prevention and recognized and recommended opportunities for the same. CONCLUSION: Parents mostly had a positive attitude towards children's oral health at a young age. Their knowledge about oral hygiene practices, the use of fluoridated toothpaste, early diet, and dietary items with free sugars needs to be improved. Parents' practices related to children's oral care and diet starting at an early age are affected by multiple environmental and cultural factors.