The parents’ knowledge and behavior towards the effects of using iron supplements on tooth staining and dental caries in Mashhad, Iran

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is estimated to be the most common nutritional deficiency in both developed and underdeveloped nations. Iron supplements at early age may prevent iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and management of parents about using iron supplements related to dental caries and staining among Iranian children (6 months to 2 year-old) and to identify some factors underlying these attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized cross sectional study was carried out on the parents of 220 children (6 months to 2-year-old) evaluated in health services centers in Mashhad in 2008. Parents filled questionnaires assessing their opinions on the risk of using iron supplement on tooth staining and dental caries. The results were statistically analyzed by descriptive-analytical, Mann Whitney and Kruscal Wallis tests. RESULTS: According to this study the relation between iron supplement application with tooth staining and its effect on dental caries, it must be noted that most parents (82.7%) had a moderate range of knowledge. Major of the parents (72.7%) had a moderate level of behavior. There was a significant difference between the knowledge level of fathers with their level of education (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The finding of this study indicates that parental knowledge about consumption of iron supplements by their children (6 months to 2-year-old) has been moderate. But their behavior was poor and needs more attention.