Oral Hygiene in Children with Different Social Status

Introduction Oral health is linked to the knowledge, motivation and the level of oral hygiene of each individual. It reduces the risk of dental caries. Oral hygiene care is the most effective way of preventing it. Aim The study aims to assess oral hygiene status of students of different social status, their health awareness for oral hygiene and skills in brushing. Material and Methods The study included 200 children aged 4-12 years. They assess the oral hygiene, health knowledge for its maintenance through a short questionnaire and skills in brushing by applying visual index Simmons. Oral hygiene status was determined by the index of Greene& Vermillion. Results The results show unsatisfactory oral hygiene habits in children with low social status, consisting of short-term cleaning of teeth once a day and poor cleaning of all tooth surfaces. Conclusion Poor oral hygiene, lack of parental control, and adequate health knowledge with frequent consumption of cariesogenic foods in addition to socio-demographic characteristics are the main risk factors for development of caries in children under study.