Parental awareness and attitudes towards pediatric dentistry and children’s oral health

Abstract

Background

Parental lack of awareness about oral and dental health has been strongly linked to increased dental caries in children. Furthermore, many parents are not familiar with the pediatric dentistry specialty, resulting in limited knowledge regarding its role in maintaining children’s oral health. Before designing effective educational interventions, understanding parental awareness and attitudes is essential. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate parents’ awareness and attitudes regarding their children’s oral and dental health, as well as pediatric dentistry.

Methods

A 24-question online survey was conducted via Google Forms. Participants included parents with at least one child under 15 years old and without a dental profession. Parents of children with systemic or syndromic conditions were excluded. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 73.5% of parents were aware of the pediatric dentistry specialty and had taken their children to a pediatric dentist. In cases of pain in primary teeth, 85.5% stated they would consult a dentist, while 10.4% would administer medication and wait. Regarding treatment of primary teeth, 69.5% knew that procedures such as root canal treatments and crowns were possible. About 91.5% paid attention to whether the dentist treating their child was a pediatric dentist. Additionally, 89.6% believed that an infection in a primary tooth could affect the permanent successor. Awareness that pediatric dental treatment could prevent future malocclusion was reported by 79.5%. Moreover, 52.2% were aware that preventive treatments like fluoride and fissure sealants help resist decay; this awareness was significantly higher among parents with undergraduate and postgraduate education (p < 0.001). Similarly, appropriate response to tooth avulsion correlated significantly with higher socioeconomic status (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Parental awareness of children’s oral health and pediatric dentistry significantly increases with higher income and education levels. Parents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrated more informed and preventive approaches. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs to raise awareness, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Introduction

During the early years of life, when children begin to explore the world, they spend most of their time at home with their primary caregivers. Children acquire daily life skills and knowledge from their parents and rely on them to develop habits up to a certain age. Nutrition and oral hygiene practices are among the life skills that children learn from their parents, and their oral and dental health often reflects their parents’ knowledge [1, 2, 3].

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD, 2024) recommends that parents receive better education on oral and dental health to eliminate or minimize dental diseases in children [4]. Studies have shown a significant relationship between parents’ knowledge of oral and dental health and the prevalence of dental caries in their children. Moreover, a lack of knowledge among parents is significantly associated with higher rates of dental caries in children [5].

Pediatric dentistry is a comprehensive discipline that encompasses the preservation and treatment of children’s oral and dental health from birth through adolescence, as well as the conduct of scientific research in this field. The scope of pediatric dentistry extends beyond oral health to influence various aspects of a child’s overall well-being, including nutrition, sleep, academic performance, and psychosocial development—factors that are considered indicators of general health. One of the fundamental pillars of pediatric dentistry is preventive care. Preventive practices initiated at an early age help to minimize the need for treatment by preventing dental caries and other oral health issues. Such preventive approaches include minimally invasive techniques such as fluoride applications, fissure sealants, space maintainers, and mouthguards, all of which aim to preserve children’s oral health in the long term. Considering the pivotal role of pediatric dentistry and pediatric dentists in the lives of children—who are the future adults—it is of critical importance to raise parental awareness and ensure their active participation in pediatric dental services to promote effective oral health management throughout a child’s life [6, 7].

Before developing an appropriate educational program for the target audience, it is important to assess parents’ awareness and attitudes regarding children’s oral health and pediatric dentistry. The aim of this cross-sectional survey study is to identify and evaluate parents’ awareness and attitudes toward their children’s oral and dental health, as well as their understanding of pediatric dentistry.

Materials and methods

Study design

Participants were informed about the purpose of the study and provided their consent through an online consent form. The study was conducted via the “Google Forms” platform as a 24-item online questionnaire designed to assess families’ sociodemographic characteristics and their awareness and attitudes regarding pediatric dentistry and children’s oral health. Individuals who declined to participate or did not complete the questionnaire were excluded from the study. Participants answered the questions voluntarily and were allowed to participate only once during the data collection period. No personally identifiable information was collected. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Kafkas University.

Sample size determination

The online survey, prepared via Google Forms, was distributed to participants in early 2024 through Instagram, email, and WhatsApp. The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi’s sample size calculator (https://www.openepi.com/SampleSize/SSPropor.htm) with a 95% confidence interval, a 5% margin of error, and a 50% prevalence rate. Based on these parameters, the minimum sample size was determined to be 418. A total of 502 parents participated in the study. In Question 13, responses from 49 individuals who were not supposed to answer this question were excluded from the analysis. Similarly, in Question 20, 86 individuals who should not have responded to this item were not included in the evaluation.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The sample of this study was selected using the random sampling method. Parents with one or more children under the age of 15 and non-dental professions were included in the study. Parents of children requiring special care due to systemic or syndromic conditions were excluded.

Data collection

Following a comprehensive review of the literature, a questionnaire consisting of 24 multiple-choice questions was developed. The items were adapted from previously published studies [2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11]. Demographic information was collected from parents, including gender (mother/father/other), educational level (primary school/high school/university/postgraduate), and monthly income (< 20,000 TL– low income; 20,000–40,000 TL– middle income; >40,000 TL– high income). The categorization of income levels was based on the minimum wage in effect in Türkiye at the time the study was conducted. Participants were then asked a series of dichotomous (yes/no) and multiple-choice questions to assess their awareness and attitudes toward pediatric dentistry and children’s oral and dental health. The questionnaire evaluated parental awareness of pediatric dentists and pediatric dentistry, the timing of the first dental visit and frequency of routine check-ups, knowledge regarding primary teeth (mixed dentition period, awareness of pain and treatment options in primary teeth, preference for pediatric dentists for treatment, impact on permanent dentition, physiological spacing of primary teeth), awareness of preventive dentistry and services (whether dental caries can be prevented, whether pediatric dental treatment can help prevent future malocclusion, knowledge of fluoride and fissure sealant applications), and attitudes and awareness concerning dental trauma (use of mouthguards, preference for pediatric dentists for mouthguard fabrication and post-trauma treatment, knowledge of whether an avulsed tooth can be preserved).

Statistical analysis

The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 statistical software. Chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used to compare responses based on demographic characteristics. Multiple comparisons of proportions were analyzed using the Bonferroni-adjusted Z-test. Categorical data were presented as percentages. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

According to the survey results, 50.4% of the participants were mothers, 42.4% were fathers, and 7.2% were other caregivers. In terms of educational background, university graduates constituted the highest proportion at 40.8%, followed by high school graduates (24.5%), primary school graduates (18.3%), and postgraduate/doctoral graduates (16.3%). Regarding monthly income levels, the majority of participants (47.4%) were in the income group of 40,000 TL and above, while 26.7% were in the 20,000–40,000 TL range, and 25.9% were in the less than 20,000 TL group (Table 1).

Table 1.

Descriptive statistics

	Frequency(n)	Percentage(%)
Gender
Mother	253	50.4
Father	213	42.4
Other	36	7.2
Graduation
Elementary School	92	18.3
High School	123	24.5
University	205	40.8
Master’s/PHD	82	16.3
Income Level
Less than 20.000 TL	130	25.9
Between 20.000 and 40.000 TL	134	26.7
40.000 TL and above	238	47.4
Is there a specialized branch of dentistry exclusively dedicated to children?
Yes	369	73.5
No	133	26.5
Have you ever taken your child to a pediatric dentist for examination, treatment, or a routine check-up?
Yes	369	73.5
No	133	26.5
Which dentist would you prefer for your child’s dental treatment?
I would seek a pediatric dentist	337	67.1
I would take my child to my own dentist.	56	11.2
I would visit healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health where social security is valid.	109	21.7
When do you think a child’s first visit to the dentist should take place?
At the age of 1	303	60.4
At 6 months old	80	15.9
When they experience toothache	119	23.7
When did you first take your child to the dentist?
Between ages 1–3	196	39.0
Between ages 4–6	207	41.2
Over the age of 7	99	19.7
How often should you take your children for a dental check-up each year?
Every 3 months	53	10.6
Every 6 months	192	38.2
Once a year	257	51.2
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth: primary teeth and permanent teeth?
Yes	449	89.4
No	53	10.6
What would you do if your child’s primary tooth hurts?
I would take them to the dentist for treatment.	429	85.5
I would give medication and wait for the pain to subside.	52	10.4
I would wait for the pain to go away since the tooth will eventually fall out.	21	4.2
Did you know that treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns can also be performed on baby teeth?
Yes	349	69.5
No	153	30.5
Do you make sure that the dentist treating your child’s primary teeth is a pediatric dentist?
Yes	314	91.5
No	29	8.5
Do you think that an infection caused by a decayed primary tooth can spread to the permanent tooth underneath and damage it?
Yes	450	89.6
No	52	10.4
Do you think the spaces between primary teeth are normal?
Yes	301	60.0
No	201	40.0
Did you know that treatments provided by a pediatric dentist can help prevent crooked teeth in later stages?
Yes	399	79.5
No	103	20.5
Do you think tooth decay is preventable?
Yes	441	87.8
No	61	12.2
Did you know that receiving protective treatments such as fluoride or fissure sealants from a dentist every 6 months can make your child’s teeth more resistant to decay?
Yes	262	52.2
No	240	47.8
Did you know that custom-made mouthguards are available to prevent dental injuries during various sports activities?
Yes	357	71.1
No	145	28.9
If you were to get a custom mouthguard, which dentist would you take your child to?
A dentist recommended by my surroundings	10	2.8
A pediatric dentist	314	89.2
My own regular dentist	28	8.0
Do you think that in the event of a dental trauma, your child should be taken to a pediatric dentist without delay?
Yes	469	93.4
No	33	6.6
Do you think a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket due to trauma should be found and preserved?
Yes	305	60.8
No	197	39.2
Would you like to receive more information about protecting your child’s teeth and oral hygiene care?
Yes	454	90.4
No	48	9.6
Please select the options below that you consider to be correct*
A tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be gently rinsed under running tap water and preserved inside the child’s mouth	68	13.5
One of the correct methods for a knocked-out tooth, if done before taking it to a pediatric dentist, is to reinsert the tooth into the socket	75	15.0
The knocked-out tooth can be stored in milk	154	30.7
The knocked-out tooth can be repositioned by a pediatric dentist, and treatment can be provided	317	67.1

*Multiple responses

Among the participants, 73.5% were aware of pediatric dentistry as a specialized field, and the same proportion reported taking their children to a pediatric dentist for examination (Table 1). A significant relationship was found between socioeconomic status (educational attainment and monthly income) and awareness of pediatric dentistry; parents with a university or postgraduate degree had significantly greater knowledge compared to those with only primary or secondary education (Table 3-4, p < 0,001).

Table 3.

Comparison of categorical variables by graduation

	Elementary School	High School	University	Master’s/PhD	Test Statistic	p
Is there a branch of dentistry specifically dedicated to children?
Yes	49 (53.3)a	78(63.4)a	169(82.4)b	73 (89)b	44.334	< 0.001*
No	43 (46.7)	45 (36.6)	36 (17.6)	9 (11)
Have you ever taken your child to a pediatric dentist for examination, treatment, or a check-up?
Yes	69 (75)	93 (75.6)	150 (73.2)	57 (69.5)	1.068	0.785*
No	23 (25)	30 (24.4)	55 (26.8)	25 (30.5)
Which dentist would you prefer for your child’s dental treatment?
I would seek a pediatric dentist.	45 (48.9)a	71(57.7)a	153(74.6)b	68 (82.9)b	37.211	< 0.001*
I would take my child to my own dentist.	14 (15.2)	14 (11.4)	23 (11.2)	5 (6.1)
I would take them to healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health where social security is valid.	33 (35.9)a	38(30.9)a	29 (14.1)b	9 (11)b
When do you think a child’s first visit to the dentist should be?
At the age of 1	51(55.4)abc	64 (52)c	145(70.7)b	43 (52.4)ac	34.696	< 0.001*
At 6 months old	6 (6.5)a	22(17.9)ab	31(15.1)ab	21 (25.6)b
When they experience a toothache	35 (38)a	37 (30.1)a	29 (14.1)b	18 (22)ab
When did you first take your child to the dentist?
Between the ages of 1–3	21 (22.8)a	38(30.9) ab	90(43.9)bc	47 (57.3)c	35.697	< 0.001*
Between the ages of 4–6	39 (42.4)	58 (47.2)	84 (41)	26 (31.7)
Over the age of 7	32 (34.8)a	27 (22)ab	31 (15.1)b	9 (11)b
How often should you take your children for a dental check-up each year?
Every 3 months	19 (20.7)a	13 (10.6)ab	14 (6.8)b	7 (8.5)ab	19.167	0.004*
Every 6 months	26 (28.3)a	43 (35)ab	94 (45.9)b	29 (35.4)ab
Once a year	47 (51.1)	67 (54.5)	97 (47.3)	46 (56.1)
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth: primary teeth and permanent teeth?
Yes	75 (81.5)a	102(82.9)ab	194(94.6)c	78 (95.1)bc	20.294	< 0.001*
No	17 (18.5)	21 (17.1)	11 (5.4)	4 (4.9)
What would you do if your child’s baby tooth hurts?
I would take them to the dentist for treatment.	67 (72.8)a	102(82.9)ab	188(91.7)b	72 (87.8)ab	20.969	0.001**
I would give medication and wait for the pain to subside.	15 (16.3)a	17 (13.8)ab	13 (6.3)b	7 (8.5)ab
I would wait for the pain to go away since the tooth will eventually fall out.	10 (10,9)a	4 (3,3)ab	4 (2)b	3 (3,7)ab
Did you know that treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns can also be performed on primary teeth?
Yes	46 (50)a	87 (70.7)b	159(77.6)b	57 (69.5)ab	22.885	< 0.001*
No	46 (50)	36 (29.3)	46 (22.4)	25 (30.5)
Do you make sure that the dentist treating your child’s primary teeth is a pediatric dentist?
Yes	41 (89.1)	74 (88.1)	145 (91.8)	54 (98.2)	5.231	0.138**
No	5 (10.9)	10 (11.9)	13 (8.2)	1 (1.8)
Do you think that an infection caused by a decayed primary tooth can spread to the permanent tooth underneath and damage it?
Yes	78 (84.8)	110 (89.4)	187 (91.2)	75 (91.5)	3.188	0.364*
No	14 (15.2)	13 (10.6)	18 (8.8)	7 (8.5)
Do you think the spaces between primary teeth are normal?
Yes	48 (52.2)ab	64 (52)b	138(67.3)a	51 (62.2)ab	10.335	0.016*
No	44 (47.8)	59 (48)	67 (32.7)	31 (37.8)
Did you know that treatments provided by a pediatric dentist can help prevent crooked teeth in later stages?
Yes	65 (70.7)a	95 (77.2)ab	165(80.5)ab	74 (90.2)b	10.730	0.013*
No	27 (29.3)	28 (22.8)	40 (19.5)	8 (9.8)
Do you think tooth decay is preventable?
Yes	78 (84.8)	107 (87)	183 (89.3)	73 (89)	1.388	0.708*
No	14 (15.2)	16 (13)	22 (10.7)	9 (11)
Did you know that receiving protective treatments such as fluoride or fissure sealants from a dentist every 6 months can make your child’s teeth more resistant to decay?
Yes	33 (35.9)a	58 (47.2)ab	118 (57.6)b	53 (64.6)b	18.530	< 0.001*
No	59 (64.1)	65 (52.8)	87 (42,0.4)	29 (35.4)
Did you know that custom-made mouthguards are available to prevent dental injuries during various sports activities?
Yes	54 (58.7)a	89 (72.4)ab	156 (76.1)b	58 (70.7)ab	9.484	0.024*
No	38 (41.3)	34 (27.6)	49 (23.9)	24 (29.3)
If you were to get a custom mouthguard, which dentist would you take your child to?
A dentist recommended by my surroundings	1 (1.9)	5 (5.7)	4 (2.6)	0 (0)	6.463	0.335**
A pediatric dentist	47 (87)	73 (83.9)	139 (90.8)	55 (94.8)
My own regular dentist	6 (11.1)	9 (10.3)	10 (6.5)	3 (5.2)
Do you think that in the event of a dental trauma, your child should be taken to a pediatric dentist without delay?
Yes	80 (87)a	111 (90.2)a	200 (97.6)b	78 (95.1)ab	14.389	0.002*
No	12 (13)	12 (9.8)	5 (2.4)	4 (4.9)
Do you think a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket due to trauma should be found and preserved?
Yes	39 (42.4)a	62 (50.4)a	142 (69.3)b	62 (75.6)b	32.357	< 0.001*
No	53 (57.6)	61 (49.6)	63 (30.7)	20 (24.4)
Would you like to receive more information about protecting your child’s teeth and oral hygiene care?
Yes	86 (93.5)	111 (90.2)	181 (88.3)	76 (92.7)	2.558	0.465*
No	6 (6.5)	12 (9.8)	24 (11.7)	6 (7.3)

*Chi-square test, **Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, a-c: Groups with the same letter in each row do not show a significant difference, frequency (percentage)

Table 4.

Comparison of categorical variables by monthly income

	Less than 20.000 TL	Between 20.000 TL and 40.000 TL	40.000 TL and above	Test Statistic	p
Is there a specialized branch of dentistry exclusively dedicated to children?
Yes	71 (54.6)a	96 (71.6)b	202 (84.9)c	39.854	< 0.001*
No	59 (45.4)	38 (28.4)	36 (15.1)
Have you ever taken your child to a pediatric dentist for examination, treatment, or a routine check-up?
Yes	93 (71.5)	96 (71.6)	180 (75.6)	1.049	0.592*
No	37 (28.5)	38 (28.4)	58 (24.4)
Which dentist would you prefer for your child’s dental treatment?
I would seek a pediatric dentist	61 (46.9)a	101 (75.4)b	175 (73.5)b	33.347	< 0.001*
I would take my child to my own dentist.	22 (16.9)	10 (7.5)	24 (10.1)
I would visit healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health where social security is valid.	47 (36.2)a	23 (17.2)b	39 (16.4)b
When do you think a child’s first visit to the dentist should take place?
At the age of 1	70 (53.8)	89 (66.4)	144 (60.5)	10.221	0.037*
At 6 months old	17 (13.1)	19 (14.2)	44 (18.5)
When they experience toothache	43 (33.1)a	26 (19.4)b	50 (21)b
When did you first take your child to the dentist?
Between ages 1–3	40 (30.8)a	51 (38.1)ab	105 (44.1)b	11.926	0.018*
Between ages 4–6	54 (41.5)	54 (40.3)	99 (41.6)
Over the age of 7	36 (27.7)a	29 (21.6)ab	34 (14.3)b
How often should you take your children for a dental check-up each year?
Every 3 months	23 (17.7)a	13 (9.7)ab	17 (7.1)b	11.139	0.025*
Every 6 months	41 (31.5)	54 (40.3)	97 (40.8)
Once a year	66 (50.8)	67 (50)	124 (52.1)
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth: primary teeth and permanent teeth?
Yes	112 (86.2)	123 (91.8)	214 (89.9)	2.328	0.312*
No	18 (13.8)	11 (8.2)	24 (10.1)
What would you do if your child’s primary tooth hurts?
I would take them to the dentist for treatment.	105 (80.8)	117 (87.3)	207 (87)	4.852	0.303*
I would give medication and wait for the pain to subside.	16 (12.3)	14 (10.4)	22 (9.2)
I would wait for the pain to go away since the tooth will eventually fall out.	9 (6.9)	3 (2.2)	9 (3.8)
Did you know that treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns can also be performed on primary teeth?
Yes	76 (58.5)a	104 (77.6)b	169 (71)b	11.893	0.003*
No	54 (41.5)	30 (22.4)	69 (29)
Do you make sure that the dentist treating your child’s primary teeth is a pediatric dentist?
Yes	69 (92)	93 (91.2)	152 (91.6)	0.038	0.981*
No	6 (8)	9 (8.8)	14 (8.4)
Do you think that an infection caused by a decayed baby tooth can spread to the permanent tooth underneath and damage it?
Yes	114 (87.7)	123 (91.8)	213 (89.5)	1.204	0.548*
No	16 (12.3)	11 (8.2)	25 (10.5)
Do you think the spaces between primary teeth are normal?
Yes	64 (49.2)a	82 (61.2)ab	155 (65.1)b	8.964	0.011*
No	66 (50.8)	52 (38.8)	83 (34.9)
Did you know that treatments provided by a pediatric dentist can help prevent crooked teeth in later stages?
Yes	94 (72.3)a	102 (76.1)ab	203 (85.3)b	9.962	0.007*
No	36 (27.7)	32 (23.9)	35 (14.7)
Do you think tooth decay is preventable?
Yes	116 (89.2)	121 (90.3)	204 (85.7)	2.002	0.368*
No	14 (10.8)	13 (9.7)	34 (14.3)
Did you know that receiving protective treatments such as fluoride or fissure sealants from a dentist every 6 months can make your child’s teeth more resistant to decay?
Yes	58 (44.6)	73 (54.5)	131 (55)	4.046	0.132*
No	72 (55.4)	61 (45.5)	107 (45)
Did you know that custom-made mouthguards are available to prevent dental injuries during various sports activities?
Yes	81 (62.3)a	97 (72.4)ab	179 (75.2)b	6.958	0.031*
No	49 (37.7)	37 (27.6)	59 (24.8)
If you were to get a custom mouthguard, which dentist would you take your child to?
A dentist recommended by my surroundings	4 (4.9)	3 (3.2)	3 (1.7)	2.802	0.586**
A pediatric dentist	70 (86.4)	86 (90.5)	158 (89.8)
My own regular dentist	7 (8.6)	6 (6.3)	15 (8.5)
Do you think that in the event of a dental trauma, your child should be taken to a pediatric dentist without delay?
Yes	117 (90)	126 (94)	226 (95)	3.474	0.176*
No	13 (10)	8 (6)	12 (5)
Do you think a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket due to trauma should be found and preserved?
Yes	61 (46.9)a	75 (56)a	169 (71)b	22.213	< 0.001*
No	69 (53.1)	59 (44)	69 (29)
Would you like to receive more information about protecting your child’s teeth and oral hygiene care?
Yes	116 (89.2)	122 (91)	216 (90.8)	0.304	0.859*
No	14 (10.8)	12 (9)	22 (9.2)

*Chi-square test, **Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, a-c: Groups with the same letter in each row do not show a significant difference, frequency (percentage)

When choosing a dentist, 67.1% of participants preferred pediatric dentists, while 11.2% selected their personal dentist, and 21.7% utilized healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health (Table 1). Parents with a postgraduate degree (82.9%) and those with a monthly income of 40,000 TL or above were the most likely to prefer pediatric dentists for their children. In contrast, parents with only primary education (48.9%) and those earning 20,000 TL or less had the lowest likelihood of seeking pediatric dental care. These differences were statistically significant, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic status (educational attainment and monthly income) on dentist preferences (Table 3-4, p < 0,001).

Regarding the most appropriate age for a first dental visit, 60.4% of participants believed it should occur at 1 year, 15.9% at 6 months, and 23.7% when a tooth starts hurting (Table 1). A decrease in monthly income and education levels was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of seeking dental care only when the child experienced pain. Conversely, higher education levels were significantly linked to considering 6 months or 1 year as the appropriate age for a first dental visit (Table 3-4, p < 0,001 and p = 0,037).

In terms of the age at which participants first took their child to a dentist, 39% did so when their child was 1–3 years old, 41.2% at 4–6 years, and 19.7% at 7 years or older (Table 1). A significant relationship was found between education and income levels and the age of the first dental visit. Parents with postgraduate or university education and those with a monthly income of 40,000 TL or above were significantly more likely to take their child to a dentist at 1–3 years of age, while these rates were significantly lower among those who delayed the first visit until 7 years or older (Table 3-4, p < 0,001 and p = 0,018).

Regarding the frequency of dental visits, 51.2% of participants took their child to a dentist once a year, 38.2% every six months, and 10.6% every three months (Table 1). Higher education levels were significantly associated with increased frequency of biannual visits, and education level was also inversely related to the age at which children were first taken to a dentist (Table 3, p = 0,004).

A majority (89.4%) of participants knew that there are two sets of teeth: primary and permanent. In cases of primary tooth pain in their children, 85.5% of parents stated that they would take their child to a dentist for treatment, while 10.4% indicated that they would administer medication and wait for the pain to subside (Table 1). The study found a significant relationship between the parent’s level of education and the decision to take the child to a dentist in case of primary tooth pain (p = 0.001). Among those who preferred to consult a dentist in such situations, the proportion of parents with a university or postgraduate degree and those with a monthly income of 40,000 TL or more was significantly higher (Table 3-4). Regarding treatment methods for primary teeth, 69.5% of respondents reported being aware that procedures such as root canal treatment and crowns can be performed on primary teeth (Table 1). A significant association was also found between the parents’ income level and their choice to take their child to the dentist in case of primary tooth pain (Table 4, p = 0.003). Among those who were aware of such treatments, the proportion of parents with an income level of 40,000 TL or more was significantly higher. Additionally, 89.6% believed that infections originating in decayed primary teeth could spread to permanent teeth. The proportion of participants who believed that spacing between primary teeth is normal was 60% (Table 1). A significant relationship was found between parents’ income level and the belief that spacing between primary teeth is normal (Table 4, p = 0.011). Among those who held this belief, the proportion of parents with a monthly income of 40,000 TL or more was significantly higher.

The proportion of participants who knew that pediatric dental treatment can help prevent future malocclusion was 79.5% (Table 1). A significant relationship was found between two socioeconomic indicators—educational attainment and monthly income—and awareness of the role of pediatric dental treatment in preventing future malocclusion (Table 3-4, p = 0.007 and p = 0.013, respectively). Among those who had this knowledge, the proportion of parents with higher socioeconomic status was significantly greater.Additionally, 87.8% of participants believed that dental caries are preventable (Table 1). A significant association was observed between the parents’ level of education and the belief that dental caries are preventable (Table 3, p < 0.001). Among those who held this belief, the proportion of university and postgraduate degree holders was significantly higher.

About 52.2% of participants were aware that preventive treatments performed by a dentist every six months make teeth more resistant to caries (Table 1). A significant relationship was found between education level and knowledge of fluoride and fissure sealants, with university and postgraduate degree holders being significantly more aware of their protective effects against caries (Table 3, p < 0,001).

71.1% of participants were aware of custom-made mouthguards, and 89.2% preferred pediatric dentists for these appliances (Table 1). A significant relationship was observed between education and income levels and awareness of mouthguards, with university graduates and those earning 40,000 TL or above showing higher awareness (Table 3-4, p = 0,024 and p = 0,031).

In cases of dental trauma, 93.4% of participants stated that it is necessary to visit a pediatric dentist without delay. Additionally, 60.8% of participants believed that an avulsed tooth should be preserved (Table 1). The study found that as the level of education increased, the proportion of individuals who would immediately take their child to a pediatric dentist in the event of an avulsion, as well as those who would preserve the avulsed tooth, increased significantly (Table 3, p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, a significant increase was observed in the proportion of individuals who would preserve an avulsed tooth as income level increased (Table 4, p < 0.001). The most common response regarding an avulsed tooth was that it could be repositioned by a pediatric dentist (63.1%)(Table 5).

Table 5.

Comparison of categorical variables by demographic characteristics

	A tooth that has been knocked out of its socket can be gently rinsed under running tap water and preserved inside the child’s mouth	One of the correct methods for a knocked-out tooth, if done before taking it to a pediatric dentist, is to reinsert the tooth into the socket	The knocked-out tooth can be stored in milk	The knocked-out tooth can be repositioned by a pediatric dentist, and treatment can be provided	Test Statistic	p*
Gender
Mother	30 (11.9)	35 (13.8)	88 (34.8)	156 (61.7)a	16.017	0.042
Father	34 (16)	37 (17.4)	56 (26.3)	157 (73.7)b
Other	4 (11.1)	3 (8.3)	10 (27.8)	24 (66.7)ab
Graduation
Elementary School	10 (10.9)ab	12 (13)	29 (31.5)	58 (63)ab	41.819	< 0.001
High School	16 (13)ab	16 (13)	40 (32.5)	65 (52.8)a
University	21 (10.2)a	28 (13.7)	58 (28.3)	146 (71.2)bc
Master’s/PHD	21 (25.6)b	19 (23.2)	27 (32.9)	68 (82.9)c
Income Level
Less than 20.000 TL	15 (11.5)	15 (11.5)	41 (31.5)	85 (65.4)	7.408	0.493
Between 20.000 TL and 40.000 TL	15 (11.2)	22 (16.4)	40 (29.9)	83 (61.9)
40.000 TL and above	38 (16)	38 (16)	73 (30.7)	169 (71)

*Chi-square test, a-c: Groups with the same letter in each row do not show a significant difference, frequency (percentage)

Finally, 90.4% of participants expressed a desire to gain more information about their children’s oral health and hygiene (Table 1).

Discussion

Pediatric dentistry (pedodontics) is a branch of dentistry that aims to protect, improve, and, when necessary, treat the oral and dental health of children from the prenatal period, i.e., during pregnancy, up to the age of 15–16. However, maintaining oral and dental health during childhood depends not only on the expertise of the dentist but also on the active involvement of parents in this process. Parents play a significant role in raising awareness about oral and dental health and ensuring adherence to treatment processes. Nevertheless, a lack of knowledge, anxiety, or misconceptions about pedodontic procedures often negatively affects this cooperation. Parental attitudes and knowledge about pedodontic procedures are critical factors that directly impact children’s experiences during dental visits and their long-term oral and dental health [8].

Since parents are the most influential social force affecting a child’s development during early childhood, it is well-established that interventions aimed at improving parents’ knowledge and attitudes about oral and dental health effectively prevent dental issues, such as caries, in children [12].

One of the biggest obstacles parents face in providing oral and dental health services for their children is a lack of awareness. Parents often visit the dentist only when necessary and fail to benefit from professional dental care. This situation may stem from insufficient information provided to parents by healthcare and social service workers about oral and dental health, leading to a lack of awareness. Moreover, a low level of parental education is considered one of the factors contributing to insufficient knowledge about their children’s oral and dental health [2].

Traumatic experiences during childhood and the resulting fears often persist into adulthood. Approximately 40% of the world’s population is reported to have developed a fear of dental treatments, often stemming from negative experiences during childhood. Therefore, children’s first dental visit should be with a pediatric dentist trained in child psychology and behavior management.

A study conducted in India found that only 56.5% of parents were aware of a dedicated branch of dentistry for children [8]. Another study reported that only 4.7% of parents stated they would take their children to a pediatric dentist for oral and dental health services [13]. In this study, 73.5% of parents reported being aware of pediatric dentistry. In addition to children’s oral and dental health habits, their access to oral and dental health services should also be evaluated in preventing dental caries.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit between 6 months and 1 year of age and attend regular dental check-ups every six months. Regular dental examinations help detect children’s oral and dental problems early, including changes in tooth color [14]. In a study conducted in Turkey, only 22.92% of parents were found to be aware of this recommendation [15]. In the study by Tokuç et al., it was reported that nearly half of the children were taken to the dentist for the first time between the ages of 4–6 due to dental pain [9]. Studies frequently report that parents tend to take their children to the dentist only when complaints arise [9, 13, 16]. In another study, Alaa et al. found that most parents believed their children’s first dental visit should occur between the ages of 3–6 [17]. In this study, 303 parents stated that the first dental examination should be at the age of 1. However, consistent with many studies in the literature, 41.2% of parents reported taking their children to the dentist for the first time between the ages of 4–6. These findings suggest that parents typically begin considering pediatric dental care for their children around the time they start school, as initial dental visits often occur during the early school years. Parents should be actively educated to ensure that their children receive preventive care and maintain oral health before the onset of dental caries.

One of the biggest barriers to dental treatments in children is anxiety and fear. Therefore, the child’s first dental visit and treatment are critical. Creating an environment where the child feels comfortable and establishing good communication between the child and the dentist are essential to ensuring the child’s cooperation. Choosing a dentist specialized in pediatric care would be more appropriate at this stage. Supporting findings from studies conducted in Turkey [9], the survey results in this study showed that a high proportion of parents took their children to pediatric dentists for their first dental visit and preferred pediatric dentists for their treatments (Table 2).

Table 2.

Comparison of gender with categorical variables

	Mother	Father	Others	Test Statistic	p
Is there a specialized branch of dentistry exclusively dedicated to children?
Yes	178 (70.4)	163 (76.5)	28 (77.8)	2.624	0.269*
No	75 (29,6)	50 (23,5)	8 (22,2)
Have you ever taken your child to a pediatric dentist for examination, treatment, or a routine check-up?
Yes	195 (77.1)a	158 (74.2)a	16 (44.4)b	17.317	< 0.001*
No	58 (22.9)	55 (25.8)	20 (55.6)
Which dentist would you prefer for your child’s dental treatment?
I would seek a pediatric dentist	176 (69.6)	137 (64.3)	24 (66.7)	3.111	0.539**
I would take my child to my own dentist.	26 (10.3)	24 (11.3)	6 (16.7)
I would visit healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health where social security is valid.	51 (20,2)	52 (24,4)	6 (16,7)
When do you think a child’s first visit to the dentist should take place?
At the age of 1	160 (63.2)	122 (57.3)	21 (58.3)	4.560	0.336*
At 6 months old	36 (14,2)	35 (16,4)	9 (25)
When they experience toothache	57 (22.5)	56 (26.3)	6 (16.7)
When did you first take your child to the dentist?
Between ages 1–3	95 (37.5)	81 (38)	20 (55.6)	5.249	0.263*
Between ages 4–6	107 (42.3)	91 (42.7)	9 (25)
Over the age of 7	51 (20.2)	41 (19.2)	7 (19.4)
How often should you take your children for a dental check-up each year?
Every 3 months	22 (8.7)a	22 (10.3)a	9 (25)b	12.071	0.014**
Every 6 months	96 (37.9)	79 (37.1)	17 (47.2)
Once a year	135 (53.4)a	112 (52.6)a	10 (27.8)b
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth: primary teeth and permanent teeth?
Yes	231 (91.3)	186 (87.3)	32 (88.9)	2.035	0.365**
No	22 (8.7)	27 (12.7)	4 (11.1)
What would you do if your child’s primary tooth hurts?
I would take them to the dentist for treatment.	218 (86.2)	177 (83.1)	34 (94.4)	5.473	0.222**
I would give medication and wait for the pain to subside.	28 (11.1)	23 (10.8)	1 (2.8)
I would wait for the pain to go away since the tooth will eventually fall out.	7 (2.8)	13 (6.1)	1 (2.8)
Did you know that treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns can also be performed on baby teeth?
Yes	190 (75.1)a	142 (66.7)ab	17 (47.2)b	12.982	0.002*
No	63 (24.9)	71 (33.3)	19 (52.8)
Do you make sure that the dentist treating your child’s primary teeth is a pediatric dentist?
Yes	171 (91.9)	128 (91.4)	15 (88.2)	0.623	0.841**
No	15 (8.1)	12 (8.6)	2 (11.8)
Do you think that an infection caused by a decayed primary tooth can spread to the permanent tooth underneath and damage it?
Yes	227 (89.7)	190 (89.2)	33 (91.7)	0.116	0.973**
No	26 (10.3)	23 (10.8)	3 (8.3)
Do you think the spaces between primary teeth are normal?
Yes	161 (63.6)	121 (56.8)	19 (52.8)	3.080	0.214*
No	92 (36.4)	92 (43.2)	17 (47.2)
Did you know that treatments provided by a pediatric dentist can help prevent crooked teeth in later stages?
Yes	203 (80.2)	167 (78.4)	29 (80.6)	0.266	0.876*
No	50 (19.8)	46 (21.6)	7 (19.4)
Do you think tooth decay is preventable?
Yes	220 (87)	186 (87.3)	35 (97.2)	3.278	0.199**
No	33 (13)	27 (12.7)	1 (2.8)
Did you know that receiving protective treatments such as fluoride or fissure sealants from a dentist every 6 months can make your child’s teeth more resistant to decay?
Yes	129 (51)	112 (52.6)	21 (58.3)	0.704	0.703*
No	124 (49)	101 (47.4)	15 (41.7)
Did you know that custom-made mouthguards are available to prevent dental injuries during various sports activities?
Yes	172 (68)	162 (76.1)	23 (63.9)	4.654	0.098*
No	81 (32)	51 (23.9)	13 (36.1)
If you were to get a custom mouthguard, which dentist would you take your child to?
A dentist recommended by my surroundings	4 (2.4)	6 (3.8)	0 (0)	2.093	0.704**
A pediatric dentist	152 (89.4)	143 (89.4)	19 (86.4)
My own regular dentist	14 (8.2)	11 (6.9)	3 (13.6)
Do you think that in the event of a dental trauma, your child should be taken to a pediatric dentist without delay?
Yes	237 (93.7)	197 (92.5)	35 (97.2)	0.827	0.659**
No	16 (6.3)	16 (7.5)	1 (2.8)
Do you think a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket due to trauma should be found and preserved?
Yes	151 (59.7)ab	139 (65.3)b	15 (41.7)a	7.435	0.024*
No	102 (40.3)	74 (34.7)	21 (58.3)
Would you like to receive more information about protecting your child’s teeth and oral hygiene care?
Yes	228 (90.1)	194 (91.1)	32 (88.9)	0.383	0.836**
No	25 (9.9)	19 (8.9)	4 (11.1)

*Chi-square test, **Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, a-c: Groups with the same letter in each row do not show a significant difference, frequency (percentage)

Access to oral and dental health services is an important factor affecting a child’s oral and dental health. Low income and educational levels delay and complicate access to these services. In families with low income, social and financial constraints prevent giving adequate importance to oral and dental health, with related expenditures often being deprioritized. Consistent with the findings of other studies in the literature [8, 9]. In this study, 36.2% of families with an income level of 20,000 TL or below preferred institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health where social security is valid for their children’s dental treatments. In contrast, this preference was only 16.4% among families with an income level of 40,000 TL or above. Although a significant number of parents (380) in the study believed that the first dental visit should occur at 6 months or 1 year of age, the responses to the question “When did you take your child to the dentist for the first time?” revealed an inconsistency with this awareness, showing a delay in the age of the first visit.

Untreated carious primary teeth can lead to various complications, including pain, infection, eating and sleeping problems, growth and developmental delays and early loss of teeth [18]. Caries in primary teeth can significantly impact children’s growth and development and may result in serious infection. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children with healthy primary teeth are more likely to have healthy permanent teeth. Additionally, it is well established that caries in the primary dentition increases the risk of caries development in the permanent dentition [19]. In the study by Winnier et al., 71.8% of parents stated they preferred visiting a dentist for the treatment of primary teeth, whereas 28.2% managed the situation by using medication only, assuming the primary teeth would naturally fall out. The same study also reported that 60% of parents were unaware that treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns could be performed on primary teeth [8]. Another study found that 43.6% of participants agreed with the belief that primary teeth do not require proper care because they will eventually fall out [20]. These findings are supported by other studies in the literature [13, 21]. In this study, 85.5% of parents stated that they would prefer to consult a dentist for the treatment of a decayed primary tooth. Additionally, 69.5% of parents reported being aware of treatments such as root canal therapy and crowns for primary teeth. The study found that as the level of education increased, parents were more likely to take primary tooth pain seriously and seek professional dental care—this difference was statistically significant. Similarly, the awareness that procedures such as root canal treatment and crowns can be performed on primary teeth increased significantly with higher educational attainment and monthly income. The lack of knowledge among some parents and the tendency to undervalue primary teeth may stem from cultural differences in perception or the belief that these are temporary teeth that will naturally be replaced by a new set.

The risk of caries or hypoplasia in a child’s permanent teeth is determined by the presence of caries and infections in the primary teeth. Nonetheless, many parents still assume that damage to primary teeth will not cause problems since they will eventually be replaced. A study reported that 72.7% of mothers were unaware of the possibility that an infection in a primary tooth could affect the underlying permanent tooth [14]. In a 2017 study, only 28.7% of parents recognized that caries in primary teeth could lead to long-term problems, and 44.8% acknowledged that caries in primary teeth could result in caries in permanent teeth [1]. Another studies in the literature supports these findings [22, 23], showing that 89.6% of parents believed infections in primary teeth could harm the underlying permanent teeth.

The proportion of parents who stated that they were aware that the treatments provided by pediatric dentists could help prevent misaligned teeth in later periods was 79.5%. This finding corroborates the study conducted by Dikshit et al. in the literature [24].

Dental caries is a disease caused by the loss of minerals in tooth enamel due to a shift in the oral flora to an acidic pH. It can be prevented through proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and healthy nutrition. In a study, 93.6% of parents believed that brushing could prevent caries [15]. In this study, 87.8% of parents stated that caries could be prevented.

Dentistry adopts the view that early interventions can reduce or even eliminate future caries. Children who receive preventive dental interventions early in life are more likely to utilize future preventive services and incur lower dental treatment costs. Therefore, educating parents on oral and dental health should primarily aim to prevent caries in children. Evidence shows that such education is highly effective in reducing caries incidence [3, 18]. Today, fluoride applications are among the most common and effective methods for preventing dental caries. Topical fluoride applications that come into contact with enamel are particularly effective in caries prevention. However, since there is a high risk of fluoride ingestion in children under the age of 3, the use of fluoride toothpaste is recommended after age 3 or in smear or rice grain-sized amounts for younger children [25]. For deep pits and fissures where the cleaning function of the toothbrush and saliva is inadequate, pit and fissure sealants are applied to prevent caries [1]. According to a study by Jahandideh et al., 93.1% of parents were unaware of the caries-preventing effects of fissure sealants, and 51.5% were unaware of the role of fluoride in preventing caries [15]. In the study by Abdat et al., 50% of mothers reported not knowing that fluoride could prevent caries [14]. Conversely, Abduljalil et al. found that 64.7% of parents were aware of fluoride’s role in preventing dental caries [26]. In a 2016 study, 69% of participants reported not knowing whether their toothpaste contained fluoride, and only 31% believed fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used [13]. Similarly, Sabbagh et al. found that 75.6% of participants were unaware of pit and fissure sealants, a finding corroborated by Sowmya et al. [10, 21]. In this study, 47.8% of parents stated that they were unaware of the protective treatments, such as fluoride and sealants, that make teeth more resistant to decay.

Mouthguards are flexible devices placed in the mouth to protect against dental injuries, cuts, fractures, and dislocations. Epidemiological and laboratory studies have shown that mouthguards reduce the frequency and severity of dental injuries in sports. Furthermore, evidence suggests that mouthguards are effective in protecting against concussions and cervical spine injuries [27]. In a study conducted with high school students, 46.2% were knowledgeable about mouthguards [28]. In contrast, in this study, 71.1% of parents were aware of mouthguards, and 89.2% of them preferred a pediatric dentist to provide a mouthguard for their child.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common among children and young adults, accounting for 5% of all injuries. Approximately 25% of school-aged children experience dental trauma. Luxation injuries are the most common TDIs in primary teeth, while crown fractures are more prevalent in permanent teeth. Accurate diagnosis, timely treatment planning, and follow-up are critical for favorable outcomes [29]. Promptly seeking dental care after dental trauma is crucial. Since dental trauma requires specialized expertise, choosing a pediatric dentist trained in this area would be an appropriate decision. Regarding the timing of seeking dental care after an injury, Quaranta et al. reported that only 41% of parents would take their child to the dentist within 30 min of an injury [30]. In contrast, Elbay et al. found that 60.3% of parents stated they would immediately seek dental care after dental trauma [31]. In this study, 93.4% of parents stated they would take their child to a pediatric dentist immediately after a dental trauma.

Permanent anterior teeth are not only critical for aesthetics but also play a significant role in speech, chewing function, and psychological well-being. Therefore, the immediate and proper management of an avulsed tooth through replantation is crucial for the long-term prognosis, especially in children. Failure to replant the tooth can result in costly, time-consuming, and complex multidisciplinary treatments [32]. A study investigating attitudes towards dental trauma reported that 45.3% of participants believed it was necessary to preserve an avulsed tooth, while only 7% of parents considered removing the tooth from the socket [33]. In another study on avulsion awareness, 31.8% of participants stated that they would consider replanting an avulsed tooth into the socket [34]. This study also revealed a significant difference in awareness between parents with undergraduate and postgraduate education, with postgraduate parents demonstrating greater knowledge. In contrast, a study conducted in Iran found that only 2.4% of parents considered replanting an avulsed tooth as necessary [35]. In this study, 60.8% of parents stated they would preserve an avulsed tooth, while 15% viewed replanting the tooth into the socket as the correct approach.

An analysis of the multiple-choice question, in which participants were asked to select the statement they believed to be correct, revealed statistically significant differences based on the gender and educational level of the parents. The proportion of fathers who selected the statement “A tooth that has been avulsed can be repositioned and treated by a pediatric dentist” was significantly higher. This may be attributed to cultural factors, as mothers—who are typically the primary caregivers and decision-makers regarding their child’s health—might perceive procedures such as preserving or reimplanting an avulsed tooth as riskier and may therefore prefer intervention by a pediatric dentist as a safer option. Furthermore, the proportion of participants with a university or postgraduate degree who selected the same correct statement was significantly higher than in other educational groups. This may reflect greater awareness of pediatric dentistry among individuals with higher educational levels, along with increased trust in the pediatric dentist to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment.

Increasing parents’ knowledge about children’s oral health, raising awareness of the importance of regular dental check-ups, and fostering positive attitudes toward their children’s oral health underscore the need for more effective educational programs. Additionally, it is evident that health policies should focus on promoting more accessible and cost-effective services that encourage children’s oral and dental health. Strengthening community-based interventions is crucial for enabling parents to adopt more informed behaviors regarding their children’s oral health.

This study addresses parental awareness regarding children’s oral and dental health and pediatric dentistry, highlighting the long-term implications of this issue for public health. Moreover, by considering parents’ educational and income levels, the study analyzes their attitudes toward pediatric dentistry and their children’s oral health. This approach represents one of the study’s strengths, as it allows for an evaluation of the impact of parents’ socioeconomic status on children’s oral health. These strengths enhance both the scientific value and societal relevance of the study.

The findings indicate the need to develop awareness programs for parents and to improve access to pediatric dental services. Future research may contribute to the development of more comprehensive strategies by evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs aimed at increasing parental awareness of oral health and pediatric dentistry. Such studies could include comparisons of different educational approaches (e.g., digital materials, one-on-one counseling, school-based programs), investigations into the relationship between parents’ access to pediatric dental services and their awareness of those services, and assessments of the role of social media in enhancing parental awareness.

Firstly, the use of an online survey may have introduced selection bias, as only parents with access to the internet and social media platforms could participate. This could exclude parents from lower socio-economic status or those in rural areas with limited internet access, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings. A larger and more representative sample size would have allowed the statistically significant factors identified in the study to yield more generalizable conclusions regarding societal awareness and attitudes. One limitation of the study is the exclusive reliance on self-reported data, without the collection of clinical data on children’s oral and dental health. This may have led to either overestimation or underestimation of parents’ awareness and attitudes. Additionally, the study did not investigate whether the parents had recently taken their child—or themselves—for a dental examination or treatment, which is another limitation. Parents of children who have received dental treatment, particularly for caries, may tend to have higher levels of awareness.

Conclusion

This study examined the extent to which parents’ gender, as well as socioeconomic indicators such as monthly income and educational level, influence their awareness of pediatric dentistry and their children’s oral and dental health. The findings indicate that as socioeconomic status increases, parents’ awareness of pediatric dentistry and their children’s oral health significantly improves.

Specifically, parents with higher income and educational levels were found to exhibit more informed approaches to preserving their children’s oral and dental health, placed greater importance on regular dental check-ups, and demonstrated higher awareness of preventive dental treatments. In contrast, parents with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to take their children to the dentist regularly, were more prone to hold misconceptions regarding oral health, and showed lower levels of awareness about pediatric dentistry.

These results underscore the direct impact of parental socioeconomic status on children’s oral health and highlight the critical need for educational programs aimed at raising awareness, particularly among low socioeconomic groups. Considering that oral health habits acquired during childhood have lasting effects throughout life, parental awareness initiatives and the development of community-based oral health policies are of great importance.

Abbreviations

AAPD

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

WHO

World Health Organization

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ADA

American Dental Association

TDIs

Traumatic dental injuries

Author contributions

All authors contributed to the conceptualization and design of the study. The surveys were distributed to parents via a virtual platform with the contribution of all authors. Data analyses were conducted by GKD and YP. GKD made a significant contribution to the writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

Funding

The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during this study will be available by the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was conducted following the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Iğdır University (Date:25.12.2024/Number:14/4). Parents were included in the study through an online platform. Before answering the questions, they provided informed consent, which included various details about the study. Subsequently, they completed the survey questions.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.