Early dental care is emphasized today, since the attitudes and practices acquired during the first years of life become resistant to change. Because of greater contact with their patients, pediatricians are professionals of importance with regard to transmitting guidance relating to oral health. The present study had the aim of investigating the knowledge and attitudes of pediatricians practicing in Londrina, PR, regarding the promotion of oral health among the children that they attend. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire that covered matters relating to tooth formation and caries. Regarding dental caries, 28.8% of the pediatricians could not say what its etiology was, while 48.1% said that the disease was transmissible. The results observed suggested that the pediatricians presented positive attitudes and practices in relation to oral health, but that the information on dental caries needs to be reinforced.
Pediatrics; Pediatric dentistry; Dental caries; Oral health