Knowledge and Practices Regarding Oral Hygiene Among School Children: A Survey Based Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices among school children regarding their oral hygiene status.

Subject and Methods: This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at government high schools of Jamshoro district. Total sample size calculated was 108. All the school children were interviewed by using a questioner in easy languages containing multiple questions regarding knowledge and practice of oral health. 

Results: Mean age of patients was 13.46+2.47 years, minimum 07 years and maximum 15 years. All the children recruited in the study were girls. Teeth and gums status were statistically non-significant according to age. 9.3% said that they had faced toothache many times in past 12 months, and 34 children felt it rarely.

Conclusion: Mostly children were observed with good teeth and gums health and knowledge was also found to be satisfactory, while oral hygienic practice was found be unsatisfactory and consumption of biscuits, lemonade and coca cola, sugar, tea and chew gum was found to be very high, which will be harmful in future.

Keywords: Oral Hygiene, Knowledge, School Children, Practices