Oral hygiene practices and knowledge among children of age 10-13 years in a private school in Chennai, South India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204382Keywords:
School health, Oral health, Practice, Knowledge, 10-13 years oldsAbstract
Background: Oral health is an important and proven determinant of overall health and quality of life. It is well established that oral health and non-communicable diseases share common risk factors. Our study was designed to assess the practice and knowledge of oral health among 10-13 years old because at this age, lifelong beliefs and essential skills are developed.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done by randomly selecting students from V to VIII standards in a private school. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. The results were analysed using ‘Jamovi’ software with 'Pearson Chi-square test’ and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of the 210 students, only around 1/3rd of the students used both brush with toothpaste, and dental floss to clean their teeth. 123 (58.6%) students brushed twice a day. The association between the frequency of brushing and the age groups was statistically significant. Gender played a role in the duration of brushing.
Conclusions: It can be noted from our study that the oral practices and knowledge was better in 10-11 years olds than the 12-13-year olds and better in girls than in boys. Thus, oral education must be tailor made based on the calibre of a particular group instead of ‘one for all’ method.
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