Impact of children's oral and general health on children's quality of life and family well-being in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dental caries among children in Saudi Arabia is still one of the most prevalent conditions that may negatively influence the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and family well-being. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Taibah University Hospital among 434 children (October 2023–July 2024). Untreated caries was clinically evaluated by licensed dentists following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and the data was collected using Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) short form questionnaire, and Family Impact Scale (FIS). Results: There was a significant association between poorer perceived oral and general health and higher CPQ11–14 scores, indicating worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05). Children with poor oral health also showed significantly higher family impact scores, reflecting greater burden and disruption of family functioning (p < 0.001). Oral hygiene practices and irregular dentist visits were found to be significant predictors of poor oral health using logistic regression. Conclusions: Saudi children aged 11 to 14 years with poor oral and general health were linked with impaired OHRQoL and high family burden. These results emphasise the need to adopt a prevention-based, family-centred approach to dental care for children and emphasize the use of OHRQoL measures in routine dental practice in Saudi Arabia.

Child oral health; Dental caries; OHRQoL; Family impact; Cross-sectional study, CPQ11–14; Saudi Arabia

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