Evaluation of oral hygiene, gingival health and dental knowledge among 4-12 years old children attending the dental hospital

Abstract EN

Background: The main objective of all Dental Health Program is to prevent and control dental disease, Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate the Oral Hygiene and Dental Health Knowledge of children that frequently attended Pedodontic and Preventive Department in the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad.

Materials and methods: A sample of 102 children participated in this study was examined using plaque, gingival and calculus indices for three times interval.

Information about age and gender were collected and five questions fabricated by specialist dealing with brushing technique, frequency of brushing, type of tooth paste and which type of food or snacks that cause dental caries.

Results: Major reduction in the PlI, GI, CalI has been found, the dental health knowledge and behaviors of children could be changed positively.

Conclusion: Periodic dental visit, with motivation, instruction and continuous removal of plaque could successfully improve gingival condition.