Anshu Blaggana1, Vishaka Grover2, Anoop Kapoor3, Vikram Blaggana4, Renu Tanwar5, Harleen Kaur6, Ryana Kaur Haneet7. 1. Professor, Department of Periodontology and Oral Implanatology, SGT Dental College , Gurugarm, Haryana, India . 2. Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Oral Implanatology, Dr. H. S. J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Punjab University , Chandigarh, Panjab, India . 3. Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology, Sri Sukhmani Dental College and Hospital , Dera Bassi, Punjab, India . 4. Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology and Oral Implanatology, Inderprastha Dental College and Hospital , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India . 5. Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SGT Dental College , Gurugarm, Haryana, India . 6. PG Student, Department of Periodontology and Oral Implanatology, National Dental College and Hospital , Dera Bassi, Punjab, India . 7. Assistant Editor, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research , New Delhi, India .
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oral health knowledge is considered to be an essential prerequisite for health-related practices and better oral health. Healthy practices adopted at young age are more sustainable. AIM: Present cross-sectional exploratory study was planned to assess oral health knowledge and practices of secondary school students in Chandigarh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was under-taken amongst 1027 secondary level school students, in Chandigarh, India. After obtaining informed consent subjects were administered pretested self administered questionnaire addressing demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice behaviour of participants. Frequency analysis was done using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Survey revealed that only 40% subjects brushed twice daily. About 17% reported use of dental floss and 20% used either mouthwash or tongue cleaner as adjuncts. A total of 58% had knowledge that infrequent brushing led to dental caries, staining of teeth, dental plaque and bleeding from gums. Most of them knew sweets (92.7%) and soft drinks (67.8%) affected dental health. Only 12.9% visited dentist regularly after every 6-12 months. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of dental health education can be increased only if health programs are tailored to directly impinge on attitudes of targeted population, especially school children in whom healthy practices can be inculcated easily and be sustained for long times.
INTRODUCTION: Oral health knowledge is considered to be an essential prerequisite for health-related practices and better oral health. Healthy practices adopted at young age are more sustainable. AIM: Present cross-sectional exploratory study was planned to assess oral health knowledge and practices of secondary school students in Chandigarh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was under-taken amongst 1027 secondary level school students, in Chandigarh, India. After obtaining informed consent subjects were administered pretested self administered questionnaire addressing demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice behaviour of participants. Frequency analysis was done using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Survey revealed that only 40% subjects brushed twice daily. About 17% reported use of dental floss and 20% used either mouthwash or tongue cleaner as adjuncts. A total of 58% had knowledge that infrequent brushing led to dental caries, staining of teeth, dental plaque and bleeding from gums. Most of them knew sweets (92.7%) and soft drinks (67.8%) affected dental health. Only 12.9% visited dentist regularly after every 6-12 months. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of dental health education can be increased only if health programs are tailored to directly impinge on attitudes of targeted population, especially school children in whom healthy practices can be inculcated easily and be sustained for long times.
Authors: Camille Inquimbert; Celine Clement; Antoine Couatarmanach; Paul Tramini; Denis Bourgeois; Florence Carrouel Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-17 Impact factor: 3.390