Parental Perceptions and Actual Oral Health Status of Children in an Italian Paediatric Population in 2024: Findings from an Observational Study.

Oral health plays a crucial role in the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children. Data from 2019 indicate that oral diseases remain a major concern in the Italian paediatric population, affecting not only children's health but also caregivers' well-being. This study aimed to assess the importance attributed by Italian families to their children's oral health and correlate parents' perceptions with children's actual oral health status. A total of 131 children aged 0-12 years, admitted to the IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital (Genoa, Italy) for reasons other than dental problems, were enroled between 1 January and 31 December 2024. Parents completed validated questionnaires (ECOHIS or PCPQ + FIS) based on their child's age, along with supplementary questions on socio-demographic background and dental history. Oral examination was performed to assess dmft/DMFT scores, the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and the Modified Gingival Index (MGI). In younger children (0-5 years), oral health was generally good, but the presence of caries negatively impacted the family's quality of life. Older children (6-12 years) showed higher rates of caries and gingival inflammation, affecting their daily functioning and emotional well-being. Poor oral health was more common among children of non-European backgrounds and those with lower parental education. Early dental visits, within the recommended 24 months of age, were rare. Despite clear international recommendations, early dental visits remain uncommon, and many children experience preventable oral health issues. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve caregiver education and public health strategies to promote early preventive dental care.