Perceived deterrents of treating dental ailments in children- A Survey

Abstract

Teeth are critical for the growth and development of a child. According to functional matrix theory, growth and development are directly proportional to the functional unit of the organism; similarly, function of the teeth play an important role in the growth and development of maxillofacial structures. As dental caries is the most common affliction of children, preserving teeth  until their exfoliation is the need of the hour. The main aim of the survey was to determine the various barriers that stop the child from taking the dental treatment. The present survey was conducted among  the parents who visited Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, A total of 100 parents with 2-12 years children who visited for dental treatment of their children were involved in the survey with their consent. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and the collected data were computed and analyzed .The results were obtained by SPSS statistical software. It is important for a dentist to assess the anxiety level of children before starting any dental procedure. From the survey conducted , it was found that out of 100 parents , 47%  of them responded that seeing a dentist is the main cause that prevents the child from taking the dental treatment, 28% of them responded that fear of injection was a cause, 12%  responded that fear of pain was a cause, 8%  responded sound of drill and the rest of 5% responded visiting a hospital was on of the causes that stands as  a  barrier that prevents the child from taking up the dental treatment.The reasons for delayed dental treatment on the parents side were asked. 47% of the parents responded that since it was  milk tooth , treatment may not be necessary .18% gave the reason for financial constraints.