Publication: Assessment of tooth brushing habits among school going children aged 11-14 years in Janakpur
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS)
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Background: Oral hygiene plays a fundamental role in maintaining overall general health of human and in this regards tooth brushing is one of the most influential methods for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. Brushing behaviors that children learn in their early years become strongly embedded in their minds for longer time. Objective: To assess toothbrushing habits among school going children aged 11-14 years in Janakpurdham. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done for assessment of tooth brushing habit among school going children aged 11-14 years in Janakpurdham. Study includes 139 students studying at Zenith Nathanial school, Janakpurdham. This was a questionnaire-based study including parameters like frequency of brushing, timing and duration of brushing, parental supervision in brushing, type of brush used, awareness regarding need of maintaining oral hygiene etc. Results: The study included 139 students; out of which 77.7 % were brushing once daily while only 22.3 % participants were brushing twice daily. Regarding duration of brushing; 38.8% brushed their teeth for more than 2 minutes, 38.3% brushed between 1-2 minutes, while 23.7%brushed their teeth for less than a minute; 85.6% participants rinsed their mouths after brushing teeth. Only 37.4% students received regular parental supervision during brushing; 39.6% occasionally, while 23% were never checked. Conclusions:
Results obtained in this study point towards need of school based oral health education programs for installation of positive attitude and behavior in children of this age group with regards of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Description
¹Consultant Oral Surgeon, Department of Dentistry, Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, Janakpurdham, Nepal
2Dental Surgeon, Department of Dentistry, Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, Janakpurdham, Nepal
3Dental Surgeon, Bharatpur-10, Nepal
4Associate Professor, Department of Dentistry, Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, Janakpurdham, Nepal