Knowledge and Awareness of Children’s Oral Health Among Parents in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess parental knowledge and awareness of children’s oral health in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, and to identify demographic factors associated with preventive oral health practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered Arabic questionnaire distributed electronically to parents of children aged 3-12 years in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics and parental knowledge and awareness of children’s oral health. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including adjusted multiple linear regression analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from Taif University, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: A total of 352 parents participated (response rate: 100%). Most respondents had a college education or higher (61.1%). The overall mean oral health knowledge score was 5.38 ± 1.77 SD out of 10. Participants demonstrated the highest level of awareness regarding the relationship between oral and systemic health (94.9%), the definition of dental calculus (80.1%), the role of fluoride in caries prevention (70.7%), and the influence of primary teeth on permanent dentition (64.2%). In contrast, knowledge gaps were identified in the number of primary teeth (34.4%), the effect of plaque on gingival health (29.5%), toothbrush replacement frequency (22.4%), and the ideal brushing duration (51.4%). Significant associations with oral health awareness were found for monthly income (p = 0.023) and employment status (p = 0.004; 0.006), while education level and number of children did not significantly influence awareness. Conclusion: Parents in Taif demonstrated moderate overall knowledge of pediatric oral health, with high awareness of oral-systemic health links and fluoride, but notable gaps in toothbrush replacement frequency, plaque understanding, and primary teeth awareness. Socioeconomic factors, particularly monthly income and employment status, significantly influenced parental oral health awareness. Targeted parental education programs addressing these specific knowledge gaps are needed to improve children's oral health outcomes.