Oral health challenges among adults in conflict-affected Gaza: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate oral and dental health status, hygiene practices, and access to dental care among adults living in Gaza, Khan Younis, and the central governorates of Palestine. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among 39 adults aged ≥18 years residing in the study regions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (14 closed-ended and 4 open-ended questions) addressing oral hygiene habits, healthcare access, living conditions, and perceptions of dental services. The survey was administered via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were used, and categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study included 39 participants (48.7% women, 51.3% men). None reported adequate access to nutritious food. A high proportion (89.7%) experienced toothache within the last two years. The most common response was self-management with analgesics (71.6%), while other strategies included visiting a health facility (28.6%), tooth extraction (28.6%), and use of traditional remedies (28.6%). A small proportion (5.7%) reported taking no action. Only 46.2% had visited a dentist in the last two years. Open-ended responses highlighted key challenges, including lack of hygiene supplies (25.6%), limited access to dental services (20.5%), financial constraints (5.1%), poor nutrition (5.1%), and ongoing oral health problems (5.1%). Conclusion: Findings indicate a substantial burden of untreated oral conditions and limited access to dental care in a conflict-affected population. Oral health needs should be integrated into humanitarian health responses to ensure access to preventive and essential dental services.