Barriers to Oral Health Care in Children: Determinants of Dental Neglect

Highlights What are the main findings? Family socio-economic factors matter: income and parental education are significantly associated with children’s daily tooth-brushing habits, while lower-income families face financial/logistical barriers to dental visits. Parental education was not significantly linked to annual dental check-ups, though a trend suggests some influence; reasons for avoiding check-ups differ by income (cost vs. time/perceived need). What are the implications of the main findings? Children’s oral health is strongly shaped by social, economic, and educational context, meaning medical care alone is not enough to address the problem. Effective improvement requires integrated public policies (education, accessible services, financial support), especially targeting vulnerable and low-income families. Abstract Background/Objectives: Neglect of children’s oral health is a major concern at international, national, and regional levels. Of all the health problems that can occur in childhood, dental ones are among the most common. Tooth decay, for example, is a chronic condition in children and can have long-term consequences, especially in otorhinolaryngology and pediatric diseases if not treated properly. Methods: The data collection method was questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to parents regarding oral hygiene habits and access to dental services; data were collected in dental offices across Timiș County, encompassing urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. Children enrolled in the study underwent clinical dental examinations to assess their oral health status (dental caries, gingival diseases, developmental anomalies). Results: Parental education level was not significantly associated with the habit of annual dental check-ups (χ2, p = 0.092); however, a directional trend was observed. Total monthly family income was significantly associated with the stated reason for not attending dental check-ups (one-way ANOVA, p = 0.043): families with lower incomes more frequently cited financial and logistical barriers, whereas higher-income families cited lack of time or perceived lack of necessity. Parental education level (p < 0.001) and family income (p < 0.001) were both significantly associated with daily tooth-brushing frequency. Conclusions: The efforts of specialists must be increased through coherent policies, adapted education, and real support for vulnerable groups. An informed child, with supported parents, is a child with a real chance at a healthy life. This is not just a professional opinion, but a collective responsibility.