Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Infant Oral Health among Parents Attending Well Baby Clinic at Rural Haryana: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Infant oral health establishes the foundation for lifelong dental wellness, yet early childhood dental caries remains prevalent, especially in rural populations where caregiver knowledge may be limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infant oral health among parents attending well baby clinic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 105 parents of infants aged 6–24 months, recruited via systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a prevalidated, structured interview schedule, covering domains: oral hygiene initiation, dental visit timing, fluoride awareness, and preventive practices. Results: Nearly all caregivers (97%) recognized the need for daily brushing, but only 55% recommended twice-daily brushing, and just 30% knew brushing should begin with the first tooth eruption. Awareness of early dental visits was low; 56% felt visits were needed only for problems, and 34% supported a visit before 1 year. Fluoride importance was poorly understood, with 72% unaware of its role. Although attitudes were generally favorable, practices were suboptimal, with only 51% cleaning the infant’s mouth regularly after feeding, 33% performing supervised brushing, and 17% consistently restricting sugary snack intake. Higher education levels and socioeconomic levels correlated significantly with better knowledge and practices ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Substantial gaps exist in knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning infant oral health in rural Haryana. Educational efforts addressing misconceptions about the initiation of oral hygiene, timing of dental visits, fluoride use, and consistent preventive behaviors are, therefore, needed.