Oral Hygiene Practices and Caries Experience Among School Leaving Children in Rural Area
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background
Oral health plays a vital role in general well-being, especially among children. In rural areas, limited access to dental care and education often leads to poor oral hygiene and an increased prevalence of dental caries. This study aims to assess the oral hygiene practices and caries experience among school-leaving children in a rural area, highlighting the relationship between oral habits and dental health outcomes.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 school-leaving children aged 12-16 years in a rural area. Data on oral hygiene practices, including frequency of brushing, use of fluoride toothpaste, and visits to the dentist, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Dental caries experience was evaluated through clinical examination, where the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) index was used as an indicator of caries prevalence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and the significance of various practices was determined with chi-square and t-tests.
Results
The results indicated that 60% of children brushed their teeth once daily, 25% brushed twice, and 15% brushed irregularly. About 50% of the children used fluoride toothpaste, and only 20% visited a dentist regularly. The mean DMFT score was 3.5 ± 1.2, with 65% of children having experienced dental caries. Children who brushed twice daily and used fluoride toothpaste had significantly lower DMFT scores (p < 0.05) compared to those with poor oral hygiene practices.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates a high prevalence of dental caries among school-leaving children in the rural area, largely associated with inadequate oral hygiene practices. Regular tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and dental visits were significantly linked to reduced caries experience. Efforts should be made to improve oral health awareness and access to dental care in rural communities to promote better oral hygiene and reduce caries risk.