Use of the Internet for Oral Health Information for Parents of Young Children in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: This narrative review aims to investigate the availability, validity, accessibility, appropriateness, and use of internet-based resources for oral health information among mothers concerning young children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Saudi Digital Library was conducted. Keywords related to oral health, internet resources, and parental roles were used to identify relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, and dissertations published from 2000 onwards. Inclusion criteria focused on studies exploring the use of the Internet for oral health information in the Saudi context, while exclusion criteria excluded non-peer- reviewed articles and studies not focused on oral health or outside Saudi Arabia. Data synthesis involved thematic analysis of findings from six selected studies. Results: The review synthesizes findings from seven studies retrieved from databases and examines various online platforms' availability, validity, accessibility, appropriateness, and use for disseminating oral health information. Key sources include government initiatives, educational institutions, and social media platforms, which play crucial roles in information dissemination. Despite the widespread accessibility of online resources, concerns about the quality and reliability of information persist. 4 Conclusion: Leveraging the internet effectively can significantly enhance oral health literacy among parents in Saudi Arabia, contributing to improved oral health outcomes for children. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, fostering collaboration with healthcare professionals, and promoting informed use of online resources are essential steps towards achieving better public health outcomes. By addressing current challenges and building on existing digital infrastructure, Saudi Arabia can realize its vision of a healthier, well- informed population as outlined in Vision 2030.