Oral health status treatment needs among 12 years old children living in orphanages and parental homes in Bangalore city: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Enjoying good oral health includes more than just having healthy teeth. Many children have inadequate oral and general health because of active and uncontrolled caries. In orphans the oral hygiene practices are usually neglected which may affect various aspects of life, including function, appearance, interpersonal relationships and even career opportunities. Aim of study was to assess oral health status, treatment needs among 12 years old children living in orphanages and compare with that of children living in parental homes and attending government school. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study was carried out among 460 twelve year old children living in orphanages and parental home. Oral health status and treatment needs was assessed using the World health Organization’s oral health assessment (tooth surface) form for children- 2013. Proportion was calculated using chi-square test and T-test. Results: Present study found mean decayed surface, mean missing surface and mean filled surface was higher in orphanage children (4.57±3.9), (0.17±0.91) and (3.2±0.37) and as compared to school children i.e. (3.88±3.91), (0.16±0.370) and (2.3±0.14). 68.7% school children required prompt treatment (including scaling) 24.3% required immediate treatment due to pain or infection of dental and oral origin, 5.7% required preventive or routine treatment. Conclusions: The study highlighted untreated caries, less filled component and high missing component among orphanage children compared to school children. There is need for dental care, primary prevention such as oral health education programmes in schools.