Parent-Reported Oral Health Status and Dental Care Habits in Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Pediatric oral health during primary school years is linked to systemic and psychosocial development, influenced by parental health habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate parent-reported oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and dietary patterns in primary schoolchildren, as well as parental awareness regarding the impact of oral health on children’s overall wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, administering an online questionnaire to 1870 parents of primary schoolchildren, which evaluated the parent’s knowledge, behaviors and attitudes regarding the oral health and diet of their children. Results: Parent-reported child oral and gum health was overall favorable, with daughters (p < 0.01 for gum health) and children of parents with higher educational background (p < 0.001) receiving higher ratings. While toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste was widely reported, fluoride usage and dental flossing remained heavily stratified socio-demographically (p < 0.001). The consumption of fruits and cariogenic snacks was frequent and soft drink intake demonstrated an age-dependent increase (p = 0.001). In total, 42.4% of parents reported that their children rarely experienced dental pain; increased pain frequency was associated with poorer parent-reported oral health ratings and cariogenic diets (p < 0.001). Child dental service utilization was predominantly low and remained symptom- or treatment-driven, with non-attendance and pain-triggered dental visits significantly linked to rural residence, lower parental academic attainment, poor brushing frequency and cariogenic diets (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite favorable parent-reported oral health of primary schoolchildren, dental pain, alongside functional and psychosocial impacts of oral diseases were reported, and dental visits were predominantly symptom- or treatment-driven.