Level of knowledge of mothers of children aged 5-9 years about the importance of first permanent molars, 2022

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the level of knowledge that mothers of children between 5 and 9 years old have regarding the eruption and importance of the first permanent molars according to sociodemographic factors, taking into account the established ethical criteria and norms. The focus of the study is quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive type. The sample consisted of 245 mothers of children from 5 to 9 years old. The type of sampling is for convenience; the technique used was a survey, and the instrument was the questionnaire, which was validated by dental professionals in the area of ​​pediatric dentistry, public health and
investigation. The results indicate that 42.4% of the mothers know what the first permanent molar is. 60.8% consider that if the first permanent molar is extracted it will not come out again. 65.7% mention that the first permanent molar is not the same as the first primary molar. 7.8% know the location in the mouth of the first permanent molar. 32.7% affirm that the loss of the first permanent molar does affect their child. In conclusion, the level of knowledge of mothers about the importance of the first permanent molar and the consequences of its premature loss is intermediate. The mothers who showed better or greater knowledge are between the ages of 25 and 34, with a high school education level and economic income of $250.00 to $350.00 dollars.