Vishnu Unnikrishnan1, Debjit Dhamali2, M S Balakrishna3, M J Kavya4, Abdul Saheer5, Thara Chandran6. 1. Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 2. Department of Dentistry, IqCity Medical College and Hospital, Durgapur, West Bengal, India. 3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre, Edappal, Kerala, India. 4. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharavathi Dental College and Hospital, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India. 5. Department of Public Health Dentistry, AL Azhar Dental College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India. 6. Department of Public Health Dentistry, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
Background: Children residing in orphanages often have accumulated oral health needs as they are unaware of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Due to financial constraints, the provision of oral health care is often neglected. Aims and Objectives: This study attempts to assess the perception of oral health and practices among children residing in orphanages in Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 269 inmates, which assessed their perception and practices concerning oral health. Results: The self-assessment and practices of the study participants varied significantly. The proportion of substance abuse was very low, and the oral hygiene practices of the majority of participants were good. Conclusion: Interventions need to be undertaken to improve and reinforce oral health awareness among the study participants. Copyright:
Background: Children residing in orphanages often have accumulated oral health needs as they are unaware of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Due to financial constraints, the provision of oral health care is often neglected. Aims and Objectives: This study attempts to assess the perception of oral health and practices among children residing in orphanages in Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 269 inmates, which assessed their perception and practices concerning oral health. Results: The self-assessment and practices of the study participants varied significantly. The proportion of substance abuse was very low, and the oral hygiene practices of the majority of participants were good. Conclusion: Interventions need to be undertaken to improve and reinforce oral health awareness among the study participants. Copyright: