Revisión narrativa sistematizada: nivel de conocimiento sobre cuidado de salud oral infantil en padres de menores

• Fernández Jara, Tamara Valentina

• Higiene Bucal

Introduction: Oral health faces persistent challenges in the population, especially among minors, where caries remains prevalent. Despite scientific advances, the incidence does not decrease, with alarming rates from early childhood. Oral and dental pathologies not only affect physical health but also the quality of life and overall development of children. The influence of parents in the acquisition of habits highlights the importance of initiating care from an early age. Objective: The objective of this research is to systematically review the published evidence from the main studies on parents' knowledge levels regarding infant oral health care. Method: An observational analytical study, referred to as a systematic review, was conducted. The search for scientific articles was carried out from 2010 to the present, utilizing the PubMed and Scielo databases. MeSH terms such as ""Oral health,"" ""knowledge,"" ""Health literacy,"" ""Parents"" were employed, and the boolean operator AND was used. Studies addressing parental knowledge in oral health were classified and selected, focusing on those presented in freely accessible full-text format, with consideration given only to English and Spanish languages. Results: Out of the 51 articles reviewed in the literature and after applying the corresponding filters, 16 articles were selected for inclusion in the study, as they addressed topics related to children's oral health and parental knowledge. Studies published before 2010 or written in a language other than English or Spanish were excluded. The 16 selected articles were thoroughly reviewed, following the mentioned criteria, to subsequently create summary tables. Conclusion: The examined studies reveal that parental knowledge about oral health is mostly moderate. The complex interplay between knowledge, experiences, and socioeconomic and educational factors influences the oral health of their children. While there is a positive correlation between greater oral health knowledge and benefits for children's oral health, it is emphasized that knowledge alone does not guarantee adherence to healthy practices, underscoring the need to translate knowledge into concrete actions from an early age. Disparities in knowledge levels among regions highlight the importance of addressing specific geographical and socioeconomic determinants, with the socioeconomic and educational levels of parents being key determinants. Parental experiences and perceptions influence dental anxiety and attitudes toward children's dental care, emphasizing psychological influences on children's oral health. Finally, it is emphasized that comprehensive oral health promotion should consider not only knowledge but also personal experiences, dietary habits, and awareness of fluoride use, emphasizing the need for parent-focused education and strategies to improve self-care in oral health.

Tesis (Cirujano Dentista)--Universidad Finis Terrae, 2023