Awareness Of Parents Of Time Of Eruption Of First Permanent Molar and Its Caries Prevalence In Children In South India-A Questionnaire Based Study

Aim and Objective: Aim and objective of the study is to assess the knowledge of time of eruption of first permanent molar and its caries prevalence among parents visiting Saveetha Dental College and Hospital and creating awareness of first permanent molar eruption and its significance. Materials and Method: A cross sectional, questionnaire was going to be designed and distributed to 100 parents visiting Saveetha Dental College and Hospital with their children. The questionnaire include the personal details of parents, name of the child and questions about the time of eruption of first permanent molar and clinically examining the children’s permanent molar. Data was collected, statistically analysed and results obtained. Results: Only 11% of parents aware of time of eruption of first permanent molar. 96% of parents aware of 1st permanent molar. 55% of parents aware of importance of first permanent molar. Conclusion: Study concluded that parents have poor knowledge about the time of eruption of permanent 1st molar but they have good knowledge about the importance of permanent 1st molar. There is a need for education among parents regarding significance of 1st permanent molar and infant oral health care as a whole.