Prevalence of dental neglect and associated risk factors in children and adolescents-A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Dental neglect (DN) is characterized within the wider framework of child neglect, though it is under-recognized by professionals.

AIM: To get an overview of the prevalence of DN worldwide and highlight the possible risk factors associated with it.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies on children and adolescents aged 0-19 years were included. Studies were identified by searching in the various scientific databases up to 14 January 2020.

RESULTS: Ten primary studies were included in which DN or indicators of DN were examined. The prevalence estimate range of DN reported by seven of the included studies after removing the outliers is from 34% to 56%. The prevalence of untreated caries reported by three of the included studies ranged from 38.9% to 99%. The education level and SES of parents and parental attitudes towards dental health affect children's oral health. Moreover, looked-after children and children of refugees are at higher risk of DN.

CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of DN and untreated caries. Due to the under-reporting of DN and a limited number of included studies, the results cannot be generalized worldwide. There is a need to make policies that include reporting of DN to higher authorities by dental professionals.