A survey to oral health status and oral hygiene behaviour of orphan children located in support centres

Abstract

Introduction: oral health is an integral part of general health. There are many epidemiological studies on oral health of school aged children; however orphan oral health has been neglected. This study aimed to evaluate oral health status and oral hygiene behaviour of orphan who are living in care home.Method and material: all children aged between 6-18 years who were living in 20 orphan care home were participated in the study after acquiring legal permission and signing consent form. Data of dental caries, gingival health and oral hygiene factors were recorded by a trained dentist using WHO oral health basic survey methods. Descriptive analysis was performed to reach the study aim and objectives.Result: totally 356 children were participated, with 50.6% of male group. The study subjects were classified in two age groups 6-12 and 13-18 years old. Mean DMFT/dmft was 1.73 ± 1.84 and 4.13 ± 3.80 in 6-12 years old. Only 39.5% of 12-18 years old have healthy gingiva. Mean of plaque index was 0.98 ± 0.86 for whole study population. There was a significant relationship between gender and plaque index and also tooth brushing behaviour.Conclusion: result showed that oral health of orphan children is not adequate. Therefore regular dental check up and oral health education programs are necessary.