Oral health of preschool children in Dhanbad District, Jharkhand: A gander into the maternal behavior and practices

INTRODUCTION: Mothers have an important role in taking decisions about their children's oral health. The study assessed the echelon of oral health behavior and practices of the mothers in relation to their preschool-aged children, which could possibly influence their oral health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 312 mothers, selected randomly from eight blocks of Dhanbad District, Jharkhand State, by administering a structured questionnaire on oral health behavior and practices regarding oral health. RESULTS: The overall data indicated that the practices of mothers about oral health of their preschool children increased as their age increased, which was however, not statistically significant (P > 0.47). The mothers who had less than higher secondary school education and belonging to lower socioeconomic groups had poorer oral health practices and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.002). CONCLUSION: The mothers ought to inculcate positive practices and perceptions about preventive oral health for themselves first, to be good role models for their children.