Knowledge on Oral Hygiene and Oral Health Status among the Secondary School Students

Background: Dental disease is very common in our country. Lack of awareness about the dental disease and proper treatment facilities are the main cause of poor dental condition. Improper tooth brushing among the child age group and poor socio-economic status are the main cause of developing dental disease commonly in rural or in urban area also. Objectives: To assess the knowledge on oral hygiene and dental status among secondary school student in Rangpur, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to evaluate the oral health status and oral hygiene practice in secondary school going students (Class VIII to class X) age group in 13 to 16 years. In this cross sectional study, purposively selected 96 students were interviewed on oral health status using structured questionnaire and a checklist. Results: Most of the students, 93.76% believe that milk and vegetables were the essential food for teeth, and 97.92% believe that sweet is harmful for teeth and 72% believe tooth decay is the main tooth problem. It is revealed that 50.08% said oral microorganism and food practice are the reason for tooth cavity and 69.79% said unhealthy gingival is the main reason for gum bleeding. In this study it is found that, 65.62% students DMFT score is 0 and mean DMFT Score is 0.55 , 66% students had oral Hygiene Index is good (0.1-1.0) , 25% students oral Hygiene Index is fair (2.1-3.0). Conclusion: The present survey showed that majority of students had an adequate level of knowledge on oral health but low level of oral health practices. Age had no influence on the level of oral health knowledge and practices of students. A good quality of life is possible if students maintain their oral health and become free of oral disease.