The efficacy of the interventional health education program for oral health improvement in school children
2012
Introduction. Dental caries and gingivitis are common in school children
although they can be prevented through the health education and application
of preventive measures. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence
of caries, gingivitis and orthodontic irregularities in school children and
to assess the efficacy of health education program in relation to the plaque
and gingivitis control as well as caries treatment. Material and Methods.
This study included 56 second grade students with early mixed dentition and
56 seventh grade students with permanent dentition, from elementary school
“Borislav Petrov Braca” in Pancevo. DMFT/dmft index, Plaque index (PI)
according to Sillness-Loe, and the prevalence of gingivitis and orthodontic
anomalies were determined by clinical examination. The Interventional Program
included oral hygiene education and the application of prophylactic measures.
At one and six months follow-ups, PI, gingival health and changes in
DMFT/dmft structure were reexamined. Results. Gingivitis was recorded in
78.56% of II and 50% of VII grade students. In the II grade students, mean
DMFT was 1.36±1.41, and dmft 5.07±2.66. In the VII grade students mean DMFT
was 4.36±3.34. The most common orthodontic anomalies were narrow maxilla,
deep bite and distal bite. After six months of conducting the Program,
reduction of gingivitis and number of carious teeth in DMFT/dmft structure as
well as oral hygiene improvement were achieved in both age groups.
Conclusion. Oral hygiene, dental status and the prevalence of orthodontic
anomalies in school children indicate the necessity to intensify preventive
measures. Health education programs contribute to improvement of oral health
and increase motivation for self-care in children.
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