Recent research titled Socio-demographic determinants as predictors of oral hygiene status and gingivitis in schoolchildren aged 7-12 years old: A cross-sectional study provides crucial insights for practitioners aiming to enhance oral hygiene outcomes in children. The study, conducted on 988 primary school students in Hamadan, Iran, assessed the oral hygiene status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI).
The findings indicated that 65.2% of the students had good oral hygiene, while 34.5% had fair, and only 0.3% had poor oral hygiene. Notably, 64.1% of students had healthy periodontium, 32.4% had periodontal bleeding, and 2.9% had calculus. The study revealed significant associations between socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, residence district, and mother's occupation with oral hygiene and periodontal health.
Key takeaways for practitioners include:
- Age and Oral Hygiene: Younger children demonstrated better oral hygiene and periodontal health. The likelihood of developing poor oral hygiene and periodontal issues increased with age. For each year of age increase, the chances of developing calculus increased by 1.53 times, and gingival bleeding by 1.44 times.
- Gender Differences: Boys were more likely to have gingival bleeding than girls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve boys' oral hygiene practices.
- Residence Impact: Children living in suburban areas had poorer periodontal health compared to those in urban areas. This suggests that access to dental care and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in oral health.
- Mother's Occupation: Children with mothers employed in government sectors were more likely to have poor oral hygiene compared to those with non-employed or self-employed mothers. This underscores the importance of parental involvement and supervision in maintaining children's oral hygiene.
Practitioners can leverage these findings to design effective oral health programs tailored to the specific needs of different demographic groups. For instance, schools in suburban areas may benefit from increased access to dental care services and oral health education. Additionally, targeted interventions for boys and older children can help mitigate the risk of developing periodontal diseases.
Moreover, educating parents, especially working mothers, on the importance of supervising their children's oral hygiene practices can significantly improve outcomes. Regular dental check-ups and preventive measures such as fluoride varnish application can also play a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene among schoolchildren.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable data-driven insights that can guide practitioners in improving oral hygiene and periodontal health in schoolchildren. By considering socio-demographic factors, practitioners can develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of different groups, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Socio-demographic determinants as predictors of oral hygiene status and gingivitis in schoolchildren aged 7-12 years old: A cross-sectional study.
