The effect of socio-economic background on parental knowledge regarding oral health and its association with proactive behaviours

Purpose To evaluate the effect of socio-economic background on oral health knowledge and cultural beliefs of parents and associate knowledge to proactive behaviours. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with a convenient sample consisting of parents seeking dental care for their children at two different dental centres. Data were collected via a structured, interview-based questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics and parental oral health knowledge and behaviours. Analysis was performed based on parental socioeconomic background determined by monthly family income (< 1400€ low, 1400–2500€ medium). Differences within and between groups were assessed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests and associations with demographic or behavioural characteristics using multivariate regression analysis (statistical significance p < 0.05). Results Of the participants, 111 were from low and 105 from medium socio-economic backgrounds, with the latter demonstrating significantly better oral health knowledge and more proactive behaviours, such as regular preventive dental visits and lower consumption of sugary snacks ( p < 0.05). Parents from low socio-economic backgrounds showed poor knowledge regarding aetiopathogenesis of common dental diseases, with significant differences for the effect of microbes in dental plaque accumulation formation ( p = 0.03 ) and for brushing ( p = 0.02 ) and sugary snack consumption ( p = 0.04 ) in caries development. Multivariate regression analysis showed that area of residency and mother’s occupation were significantly associated with decreased knowledge, that was associated with infrequent brushing and frequent sugary snack consumption. Conclusion Significant associations highlighted the need for targeted educational interventions and public health policies to reduce oral health disparities and improve awareness.