Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Knowledge and Awareness of Children's Oral Health Among Parents in Taif, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed A Alzubaidi1, Bandar S Shukr1, Fahad S Algahtani2
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, SAU.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
The Oral Microbiota
