AWARENESS OF MOTHERS ABOUT NUMBER OF PRIMARY TEETH AND ASSOCIATED ERUPTION DISORDERS IN HAIL, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was done in Hail city of Saudi Arabia to evaluate awareness of mothers about the number of primary teeth and associated eruption disorders. Convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of 245 mothers. Results showed that 46% of the participants belonged to 30-39 years. Numbers of mothers with two to four children were 59%. 50% mothers reported total number of primary teeth as thirty two (p < 0.05), 40% respondents reported age of eruption of first primary tooth as 4-6 months. 93.5% reported that first primary teeth to erupt were anterior teeth (p < 0.05). 45% reported that by the age of one and half years, eruption of primary teeth is complete (p < 0.05). Following signs and symptoms were reported to teething process; increased salivation 20 %, diarrhea 17%, loss of appetite 9% while other disorders included stomach disturbances and inflammation of gingiva.