Publication Date: 2022/11/09
Abstract: Background: Teeth are always at risk for variety of dental diseases such as cavities, infections etc. Primary teeth are more vulnerable due to lower mineralization density, and it is crucial to start protecting them early. So, the first line of defense will be proper care and maintenance of their oral cavity. What child eats has a direct effect on overall health including dental health and especially in these unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic where maintaining a good immunity is of utmost importance and parents have a key role in achieving this. To evaluate the attitude and practices of oral health care behaviour and eating habits in children during covid-19 pandemic. A survey was conducted among 406 parents throughout India. Data were collected through a specially designed proforma using a closed- ended, selfadministered validated questionnaire containing 25 questions. Most of the children encountered dental ailments during this pandemic period as sugar intake increased in more than half of the studied population with less than usual supervision from parents and maintenance of oral hygiene also declined. COVID-19has negatively impacted their child’s eating habits and oral hygiene practices and extra care is needed towards children’s eating habits and oral hygiene measures during these difficult times. COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life, especially children who due to year-long lockdown and limited access to outside environment have switched to a very unhealthy lifestyle. This problem needs to be addressed with utmost urgency as healthy eating habits and maintaining hygiene not only impacts our physical health but mental health too.
Keywords: Eating habits, oral health problem, toothache, Teleconsultation, COVID-19, oral hygiene, sweet consumption.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7306637
PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT22OCT690_.pdf
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