The Smile Starts at Home: Parental Impact on Paediatric Oral Health in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Hanadi Abdullah Alwafi: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2. Ghadah Adel Abdullah AlGhamdi: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

3. Taif Tariq Fahad Albenyan: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

4. Zenab Baker Alhowsawi: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

5. Rahaf Hassan Marzouq: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

6. Shuaa Saud Hamod Alshammari: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

7. Fawaz Pullishery: General Dentistry Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains a highly prevalent and preventable oral condition worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Parental knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) strongly influence children's oral health outcomes. This study assessed parental KAP regarding children's oral health in Jeddah and explored sociodemographic factors influencing these practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 257 parents of children aged 0-12 years in three districts of Jeddah. A validated bilingual questionnaire (Arabic/English) assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practices. Stratified random sampling across schools, clinics and community centres was employed. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Most parents recognized dental caries as a major childhood condition (75.5%) and identified its causes (86.8%). However, knowledge of preventive strategies such as dental sealants (26.5%) and recommended first dental visit (26.5%) was limited. Mothers, Saudi nationals and those with higher education and income demonstrated significantly better knowledge (p<0.05). Although 93.4% of children brushed daily, only 47.1% brushed for 2-3 minutes, 17.1% used dental floss and 39.7% attended regular dental checkups. Attitudinal assessment revealed that 68.2% of parents considered primary teeth important, yet 42.5% delayed the first visit until problems arose. Conclusion: While parents in Jeddah showed adequate general awareness, significant gaps persist in preventive knowledge, early dental visits and flossing. Targeted, culturally tailored education programs are essential to improve preventive practices and reduce ECC prevalence.

Page(s): 96-101

DOI: 10.47310/jpms202514S0215

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: S2, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Attitudes , Early Childhood Caries , Saudi Arabia , Parental Knowledge , Oral Health Practices

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