The Role of Parents in Preventing Children's Dental Health Issues: A Literature Review on Caries and Dental Trauma
Keywords:
parental role, children's dental health, caries, primary teeth, dental traumaAbstract
Background: Dental and oral health issues in children remain a significant concern in various countries, especially dental caries and dental trauma, which can affect the health, function, and quality of life of children. The role of parents is a crucial factor in preventing various dental health issues in children thru the formation of healthy lifestyle behaviors, supervision of oral hygiene, regulation of dietary patterns, and accompaniment in safe physical activities. This study aims to examine the role of parents in preventing children's dental health issues, particularly dental caries and dental trauma, based on research published in national and international journals. Methods: This study used a literature review approach with article searches thru the Google Scholar, PubMed, DOAJ, and Garuda databases published between 2019 and 2025. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria relevant to the research topic, and then analyzed descriptively and thematically. Results: Parental involvement plays a significant role in reducing the risk of dental caries thru supervision of tooth brushing, dental health education, dietary regulation, and regular use of dental health services. In addition, parents also play a role in preventing dental trauma thru monitoring their children's physical activities and their ability to provide first aid in case of dental injuries. Contextual factors such as education level, family function, access to healthcare services, and socio-psychological conditions also influence the success of prevention efforts. Conclusion: The study shows that the role of parents is a key component in the prevention of caries and dental trauma in children. Therefore, family-based promotive and preventive strategies are needed to optimally improve children's dental and oral health.
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