KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF UNDER 10 YEARS SCHOOL CHILDREN REGARDING ORAL HYGIENE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN LAHORE

Abstract

Oral health refers to the state of the mouth, teeth, and other structures in the mouth that enable people to perform essential functions, such as eating, breathing, and speaking. It also includes psychosocial dimensions, such as self-confidence, well-being, and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Malikpur community to assess the oral hygiene knowledge and practices of school-going children under 10. A structured, close-ended, and adopted questionnaire on 98 school children selected through a purposive sampling technique was used. The study revealed that 22% of the students needed to be made aware of the importance of changing toothbrushes, and 35% changed their toothbrushes only when they broke. Only 30% of the students rinsed their mouths after every meal, and a meager 20% knew about tongue cleaning. Based on the results, we conclude that while students in this community have sufficient knowledge about oral hygiene, their practices could be improved. Moreover, the low socio-economic status of their families also affects their oral hygiene practices.