A Cross-Sectional Study of Parental Knowledge, Practices, and Predictors of Child Oral Health Behaviors and Fear in Zagreb, Croatia.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge, behaviors, and sociodemographic predictors influencing children's oral hygiene practices, dental visitation patterns, and dental fear in Croatia.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 100 parents of children aged 0-7 years was conducted at the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb. A structured, validated questionnaire assessed parental knowledge, dietary habits, brushing frequency, fluoride use, dental visit reasons and frequency, and child dental fear. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ANOVA, Spearman correlations, and logistic regression to identify predictors of inadequate oral hygiene, irregular dental attendance, and dental fear.

Results: Only 68% of children brushed their teeth twice a day; 66% consumed sweets daily, and 33.3% drank sweetened beverages daily. Logistic regression revealed that brushing once per day or less-classified as inadequate brushing-was significantly predicted by daily consumption of snacks (OR = 2.91, p = 0.025) and low parental oral health knowledge (OR = 2.58, p = 0.043). Irregular dental visits were more likely in children with a history of dental pain (OR=3.42, p=0.019). Child dental fear (41.4%) was predicted by previous trauma (OR=26.4, p=0.001), frequent check-ups (OR=27.4, p=0.009), and parental education (OR=10.0, p=0.049), while trauma management knowledge was protective (OR=0.067, p=0.002). Fluoridated toothpaste use was positively associated with regular dental attendance.

Conclusions: Children's oral health behaviors and fear are significantly influenced by parental knowledge, education, dietary patterns, and trauma experiences. Educational interventions targeting caregivers, particularly regarding trauma response and oral hygiene, are warranted to improve pediatric oral health outcomes.