Awareness, current practices and challenges regarding children oral health among pediatricians in Egypt.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria

2 Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry Elalamein, AAST

3 Consultant of Pediatric Dentistry, Maghrabi Dental Center, Al Madina Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness of pediatricians of the etiology, risk factors and consequences of ECC makes timely referrals and intervention possible, significantly improving the oral health, general health and quality of life. This study aims to assess the awareness of Egyptian pediatricians regarding children oral health, their current practices and challenges to integrating oral health into routine practice.
Methods: A questionnaire addressing pediatricians’ characteristics, knowledge of children oral health and how often they perform oral health related practices was distributed. Appropriate statistical methods were used for data analysis.
Results: 260 pediatricians; Knowledge deficits were noted about ECC consequences (80.8%), first dental visit (73.1%), nocturnal/at will weaning (75%), impact of feeding practices (80.8%), tooth brushing initiation (81.5%). While 50% recognized the need for oral health assessment; 77.3% discourage sweetened beverages; 72.3% discuss oral hygiene; 83.8% assess oral health; 77.7% encourage scheduled feeding; 63.8% addresse oral health importance, 75.4% refer to dentists; only 4.6% discuss bacterial transmission. Reported challenges included lack of time (44.6%); limited knowledge (23.1%); insufficient resources (33.1%) and communication barriers (11.5%)
Conclusions: There is considerable room for enhancing oral health education and training of pediatricians to support effective ECC prevention and improve child health outcomes.
Clinical significance: This study highlights the crucial role pediatricians play in early detection and prevention of childhood oral diseases. Enhancing their awareness and practices can lead to timely referrals, reduced oral health disparities, and improved overall health outcomes in children, emphasizing the need for integrated oral health education in pediatric medical training.

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Egyptian Dental Journal
Volume 71, Issue 4 - Serial Number 1
October (Orthodontics, Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry)
October 2025
Pages 2899-2906

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