Othoob Almobarak

Dr. Othoob Almobarak

Faculty of Dentistry, Umm-AlQuraa university, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 November 2022 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ANAfnan Anas Nassar
Afnan Anas Nassar
BFButhaina A. Fatani
Buthaina A. Fatani
OAOthoob Almobarak
Othoob Almobarak
SAShahad I. Alotaibi
Shahad I. Alotaibi
RAReem A. Alhazmi
Reem A. Alhazmi
AMAbdullah A. Marghalani
Abdullah A. Marghalani
The knowledge and beliefs of parents have an impact on their children’s general and oral health. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and behavior of parents and identify possible associated factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Parents aged 18 and older were invited to complete a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Questions covered demographics, knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding ECC etiology and prevention. Of the 644 parents who completed the questionnaire, 51.4% were not aware of the early signs of tooth decay, such as white lines. Pain and trauma were reported as the major reasons for a child to visit a dentist (42.4%). Only 37% of parents were aware of the importance of fissure sealant, and only 23% knew how it is applied. Compared with mothers, fathers were significantly less aware of hidden sugar and the relation between the frequency of consuming breast milk or bottled milk and caries development (p = 0.001). Similarly, fathers were more likely to believe that children could achieve effective teeth cleaning without parental assistance (p = 0.001). Preventive guidance should be provided by oral healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia to improve parents’ knowledge of ECC prevention.