Mikhila Khedekar1, K V Suresh2, M I Parkar3, Neelima Malik3, Snehal Patil4, Swapnil Taur5, Debapriya Pradhan5. 1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery, School of Dental Sciences Krishna Institute of MedicalSciences, Deemed University, Karad, 415110, Maharashtra, India. 2. Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Selnagor, Malaysia. 3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences Krishna Institute of MedicalSciences, Deemed University, Karad, 415110, Maharashtra, India. 4. Department of Public Health Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences Krishna Institute of MedicalSciences, Deemed University, Karad, 415110, Maharashtra, India. 5. Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences Krishna Institute of MedicalSciences, Deemed University, Karad, 415110, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge and oral hygiene status of orphanage children in Pune and changes in them after health education. STUDY DESIGN: Interventional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Centers for Orphan Children in Pune, India, from April to June 2014. METHODOLOGY: A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess the dental problems and existing oral hygiene maintenance practice among children between 5 - 12 years of age (n=100) in an orphanage center. Pre- and postinterventional intra-oral examination was carried out to check their oral hygiene status which included DMFS [Decayed Missing Filled Tooth Surfaces index (for permanent teeth)], OHIS (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) and gingival indices. Intervention was in the form of oral health education, demonstration of correct brushing technique, diet counselling and maintenance of overall oral hygiene. RESULTS: Present study shows that the orphans had multiple dental problems along with improper oral hygiene practices and careless attitude towards oral health. Pre- and post-interventional DMFS was compared using Wilcoxon sign rank test, which was not significant; while OHIS and gingival indices were compared by using repeat measures ANOVA(p < 0.001) which was significant for each, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was considerable improvement in the oral hygiene status of orphans due to educational intervention. Oral health education at right age can help to cultivate healthy oral hygiene practices in orphans which will benefit them for lifelong. Caretakers should be educated and trained about oral hygiene practices so that they can implement it and supervise the orphan children.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge and oral hygiene status of orphanage children in Pune and changes in them after health education. STUDY DESIGN: Interventional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Centers for Orphan Children in Pune, India, from April to June 2014. METHODOLOGY: A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess the dental problems and existing oral hygiene maintenance practice among children between 5 - 12 years of age (n=100) in an orphanage center. Pre- and postinterventional intra-oral examination was carried out to check their oral hygiene status which included DMFS [Decayed Missing Filled Tooth Surfaces index (for permanent teeth)], OHIS (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) and gingival indices. Intervention was in the form of oral health education, demonstration of correct brushing technique, diet counselling and maintenance of overall oral hygiene. RESULTS: Present study shows that the orphans had multiple dental problems along with improper oral hygiene practices and careless attitude towards oral health. Pre- and post-interventional DMFS was compared using Wilcoxon sign rank test, which was not significant; while OHIS and gingival indices were compared by using repeat measures ANOVA(p < 0.001) which was significant for each, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was considerable improvement in the oral hygiene status of orphans due to educational intervention. Oral health education at right age can help to cultivate healthy oral hygiene practices in orphans which will benefit them for lifelong. Caretakers should be educated and trained about oral hygiene practices so that they can implement it and supervise the orphan children.