Knowledge And Awareness Among Elementary School Children Regarding Oral Health Hygiene: A Comparative Study Between Private And Government Schools

Abstract

Background: Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall well-being of the body. Poor oral hygiene in childhood can lead to long term systemic complications and chronic disorders. Oral hygiene has remained a neglected and ignored problem that has over the years

become a huge public health burden. Early awareness is essential for prevention and maintenance of good oral health and thereby a healthy body.

Aim: To assess and compare the knowledge, awareness, and oral hygiene practices among elementary school children in private and government schools.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 270 children aged 6–12 years, with 145 of them belonging to private schools and about 125 of them being from government schools. A structured questionnaire consisting of 5 sections was used to evaluate the following parameters: oral hygiene practices , knowledge and awareness , attitude toward oral hygiene, influence of school on oral health and knowledge regarding preventive dental care. Data was analyzed using percentage distribution and comparative analysis.

Results: The findings revealed that children from private schools demonstrated relatively better oral hygiene knowledge and practices. Overall, oral health awareness among elementary children is insufficient as habits of preventive oral hygiene practices are lacking in both groups .There is a need for early intervention and oral health education at school level.

Conclusion: Overall awareness and practices related to oral hygiene were inadequate in both groups, with a more pronounced deficiency among government school children. There is a need for structured oral health education programs targeting school children.