317 - Caregivers’ Awareness of Oral–Systemic Health Connections in Pediatric Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study at NSU KIDs Clinic

Background: Oral health is increasingly recognized as an important component of overall systemic health. In pediatric populations, caregiver awareness of the relationship between oral health and systemic health may influence preventive behaviors, healthcare utilization, and early identification of oral health problems. However, gaps in caregiver knowledge and barriers to care may limit optimal oral health outcomes in children.

Methods: This cross-sectional, survey-based study evaluated caregiver awareness of oral-systemic health connections among caregivers of pediatric patients seen at the Nova Southeastern University KIDs Clinic. A structured questionnaire was used to assess caregiver knowledge, demographic factors, children’s oral health practices, perceived importance of oral health, and barriers to maintaining oral health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression.

Results: A total of 151 caregivers participated. Most caregivers recognized that oral health can affect overall health (84.1%) and that oral health problems can lead to infections in other parts of the body (88.1%). Awareness was lower for more specific associations, including worsening of systemic conditions such as diabetes (51.0%) and poor growth or nutrition in children (64.4%). Most caregivers reported favorable oral health practices, including brushing twice daily or more (72.2%), fluoride toothpaste use (72.8%), floss use (66.9%), and dental visits twice yearly (76.8%). Education level was the only significant demographic predictor of caregiver awareness, with college education or higher associated with greater awareness (B = 0.679, p = 0.002). Greater caregiver awareness was significantly associated with child floss use (OR = 1.404, p = 0.022) and use of the pediatrician as a source of oral-systemic health information (OR = 1.493, p = 0.009). The most commonly reported barrier to maintaining children’s oral health was lack of time (33.8%), followed by financial constraints (28.5%).

Conclusion: Caregivers demonstrated generally good awareness of broad oral-systemic health concepts, although important knowledge gaps remained regarding more specific relationships. Higher education level was associated with greater awareness, and increased awareness was linked to selected preventive behaviors. These findings support the need for caregiver-centered education, stronger interdisciplinary communication between dental and medical providers, and targeted strategies to address practical barriers to pediatric oral healthcare.