Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Saudi Parents’ Perceptions Toward Their Children’s Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) markedly affected all aspects of life. Pediatric dentistry and oral health of children faced a challenging situation during the pandemic. Aim This study aimed to assess the attitude of Saudi parents toward their children's oral health and dental treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This online-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies with some modifications. It was distributed among 385 Saudi parents recruited through social media. It included questions regarding demographic data, parents’ attitudes toward their children's dental care and dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, their fear level and willingness to take their children to dental appointments, and the parent’s perception of dental clinics with regard to the COVID-19 spread. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used; statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results Different levels of fear of the pandemic were expressed by Saudi parents, with 42 (10.9%) showing maximum fear while 36 (9.3%) reported no fear. Although about half of the parents stated that their children experienced dental pain during the pandemic, only 97 (25.1%) looked for dental care and were assisted. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the fear level with the family income and parents’ willingness to take their children to dental appointments. Conclusions COVID-19 has had a great impact on parents’ attitudes towards their children's oral health. A high percentage of Saudi parents' stated that they would take their children to dental clinics during the pandemic only for urgent treatment and severe pain.