Oral health promotion in pediatric age groups: habits and behaviors of Italian and Spanish parents and children

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness among parents regarding oral hygiene habits in two different national groups and to raise awareness among parents about oral hygiene education. Methods: A sample of 640 parents from Rome (Italy) and Valencia (Spain) was collected. The survey involved children between 0 and 18 years of age. An online questionnaire was administered to gather information regarding demographic data, the level of knowledge about dental caries and its transmission, proper oral hygiene habits of parents with regard to their children, mothers’ attitudes towards their own oral health before or during pregnancy, awareness of risk behaviors, such as the use of pacifiers or baby bottles, sharing cutlery, the use of the same toothbrush in the entire family, the role of schools, and oral health prevention techniques. Results: The comparison between the two groups shows that Spanish parents are more attentive to oral hygiene measures compared to Italian parents, especially about the knowledge of dental caries and its transmission, oral health check-ups during pregnancy, and proper oral hygiene habits. In both groups, there is still little knowledge about oral prevention methods. Conclusions: From the results of our survey, we can conclude that the knowledge regarding oral hygiene among parents from both countries is not yet optimal when compared to international health objectives. It is necessary to promote oral health prevention programs both in schools and within families in order to improve children’s oral health.