Abstract
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Early behavioral changes in childhood can signal developmental challenges and complicate oral healthcare. Parents are key to early detection, yet their awareness is often limited. This study aimed to assess parents' knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of early behavioral changes, explore their understanding of oral health impacts, and identify gaps and barriers to timely intervention. METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among parents visiting the pediatric dental department. The survey assessed awareness of early behavioral changes, perceived causes, and links to oral health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 700 parents participated, with many unaware of the signs and symptoms of early behavioral changes. While 65.71% agreed that early detection could improve dental care, only 32.43% acknowledged a direct behavior-oral health link. Key barriers included difficulty distinguishing normal from abnormal behavior, reliance on nonprofessional sources, limited access to guidance, and normalization of certain behaviors, all of which may delay timely intervention. CONCLUSION: Parental awareness of early behavioral signs and symptoms remains limited. Addressing knowledge gaps and barriers through targeted education and accessible professional guidance is essential. Early recognition can improve both developmental outcomes and dental care experiences. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights that many parents lack awareness of the early signs and symptoms of behavioral changes in children. By acknowledging this gap, targeted awareness programs can be developed to equip parents with the knowledge needed for timely recognition and intervention. Such efforts can enhance developmental outcomes, improve cooperation during dental visits, and ultimately lead to better oral health management in children with behavioral challenges. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gupta N, Shastri S, Kaul S, et al. When Behavior Speaks-Are Parents Listening?: A Questionnaire Study on How Parents Perceive Early Behavioral Changes among Children in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(1):85-91.