Method: Cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered questionnaires by parents. A total number of 114 parents of children aged 4-6 years were recruited using random sampling from randomly selected preschools in Suva, Fiji to participate in this study. Parents answered questions about their own oral self-care, patterns of supervision provided by them and their perceptions on children’s tooth brushing practices.
Result: : Of the parents, 57% reported supervising their child’s tooth brushing once a day and only 14% more than twice. All stated that their children used toothbrush and toothpaste. Brushing with parental supervision was reported for 70.2% of all children, 7.9% of parents performed tooth brushing solely and 21.9% of children brushed their teeth without any supervision given. Help with brushing was received by 46.8% of the 4 year olds and 53.2% of 5year olds.
Conclusion: The pattern of parental supervision was associated with parental oral hygiene practice, level of education, number of children in teh family and their positive perceptions of their ability to maintain their children’s oral hygiene. The association is of such strength that there should be more emphasis on oral health promotion for parents who have obtained high school education as their highest qualification and are first time parents.