Prevalence of oral health and treatment need of school going children in rural area of Bhandara district

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an important health status indicator of an individual. In India poor economic group mostly accommodate in rural areas, where there is lack of facility. The present study was carried out to determine the oral health status of the school going children in rural area. We tried to assess the oral health habits know more about the type of treatment they may need to increase awareness and attention towards oral health.

Materials & Methods: The observational study was carried out in a school where a team of dentists examined the children and recorded their findings. Various study parameters like demographic profile, oral hygiene status, oral habits, dental caries, gingivitis, malocclusion etc. were assessed.

Results: In total 133 children were studied, majority of them were girls. Dental caries was seen in 33.1%, gingivitis in 12%, Malocclusion in 21% & Hypocalcificaion in 12.7%. Overall health hygiene was poor 64.66%. There was a definite correlation of poor oral hygiene & use of toothbrush with dental caries.

Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene is hazardous to oral health. Discoloration & poor oral hygiene warrants a complete dental examination. This can be achieved by educating the children as well as parents through school dental health program.