Impact of Sociodemographic Variables on Toothache Frequency, Dental Visits, and Oral Health Perceptions in Saudi Arabian Children: An Observational Study

Sociodemographic factors influence children's oral health outcomes, including toothache frequency, dental visits, and the reasons for the most recent dental visit. Age, gender, education, geography, and occupation are key variables affecting these outcomes. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve oral health. Despite global research on these issues, there is limited recent, region-specific evidence from Saudi Arabia, which this study aims to address.

A descriptive observational study was conducted among children aged 5–16 years across four regions in Saudi Arabia (Hail, Makkah, Medina, and Riyadh). A total of 570 children were included through convenience sampling. Associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes (toothache frequency, dental visits, and reason for the last visit) were analysed using Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Among 570 participants, 305 (53.5%) reported occasional toothaches, 40 (7.0%) frequent toothaches, and 75 (13.2%) had no dental visit in the past year. Pain was the most reported reason for the last dental visit (253 children, 44.4%). Sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, region, education of household head, and guardian occupation, showed statistically significant associations with oral health outcomes (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression confirmed region-based disparities in toothache frequency.

In the current study, oral health outcomes (tooth frequency, dental visits, and reasons for recent dental visits) showed significant relationships with all sociodemographic variables (age, gender, area, household head's education, and guardian occupation). In order to reduce socioeconomic disparities and encourage preventative oral health practices in Saudi Arabia, these findings emphasize the necessity of focused oral health interventions and policies.

Sociodemographic disparities play a critical role in children’s oral health in Saudi Arabia. Targeted interventions addressing regional, educational, and occupational influences are necessary. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to examine causal relationships and evaluate tailored intervention strategies.