Attitudes and Knowledge of Parents and Children Regarding Oral Health

Introduction: Improving oral health enhances quality of life and is a goal of modern dental care. The primary task of a dentist is to promote and care for children's oral health, while also educating and motivating parents regarding the importance of oral health and the means to maintain it. Objective: To examine the attitudes and knowledge of parents and children regarding oral health. Subjects and Methods: A total of 300 parent–child pairs were surveyed using an anonymous questionnaire. Results: The study included 300 children with an average age of 10 years (56.7% girls, 43.3% boys). Regarding knowledge, parents were more likely to state that teeth should be brushed twice daily (χ² = 30.11; p < 0.01) and that brushing in the evening is particularly important (χ² = 18.52; p < 0.01), as well as that brushing should last between one and three minutes or longer (χ² = 67.53; p < 0.01), whereas children considered one minute sufficient. Parents were more knowledgeable than children regarding the need for dental floss (χ² = 51.49; p < 0.01), the composition of the toothpaste they use (χ² = 114.25; p < 0.01), and the use of fluoride for teeth (χ² = 176.49; p < 0.01). Regarding attitudes, a statistically significant difference was observed: parents brush their teeth multiple times a day, whereas children do so once or not at all (χ² = 76.05; P < 0.01), and parents use dental floss and mouthwash significantly more frequently (χ² = 26.25; P < 0.01). Conclusion: Results revealed a significant difference in the knowledge and attitudes of parents and children, highlighting the importance of education and engagement with attitudes, children, knowledge, oral health, parents, in both groups. Prevention and education regarding oral hygiene, nutrition and regular control must be implemented systematically.