Assessment of parents' involvement and the awareness of oral hygiene practices among 10–12-year-Old schoolchildren in Pune City

Abstract

Introduction: It is observed that poor oral health knowledge plays a major role in the prevalence of dental diseases. Our society in its attitude towards dental health has been giving it less importance as compared to general health. Schoolchildren are at a greater risk of dental problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was done among schoolchildren of Pune city. Schoolchildren aged 10–12 years reporting to the Department of Public Health Dentistry for preventive treatment were interviewed using a self-designed, validated questionnaire. Results: Among 311 children that participated, it was observed that a considerable number of them were aware of the importance of oral hygiene practices and followed the required practices. Conclusion: Schoolchildren nowadays show good knowledge regarding dental health and oral hygiene practices. This could be on account of exposure to media involvement of schools in health education programmes.

Keywords

• adolescents
• knowledge
• practice
• primary prevention