Effects of oral health education in Myanmar preschool children and guardians.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oral health education on preschool children's oral health status and habits, and their guardian's oral health knowledge. A 1-year interventional study was conducted for 201 preschool children from January 2016 to January 2017. A questionnaire survey and clinical oral examination were performed at baseline and at 1-year follow up. A 30-min oral health education session was given to children and their teachers and guardians separately by a dentist every 6months. The impact of health education was evaluated by assessing the changes in guardians' questionnaires and children's oral health status during the 1-year period. The mean oral health knowledge scores of guardians significantly increased from 8.0±2.0 at baseline to 9.0±2.5 at 1-year follow up (P<.001). Most oral health habits, except drinking water after eating, significantly improved at 1-year follow up. Significant decreases in debris score (P=.008) and gingival score (P<.001) were found. Comprehensive oral health education was shown to improve guardians' knowledge of oral hygiene, and oral health habits and status of their children. It is necessary to adopt a comprehensive oral health-promotion program involving oral health-care professionals, parents, and teachers.