Influence of Lifestyle Factors and Traditional Practices on Oral Health Status of School Children

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of lifestyle behaviors, traditional oral health practices, dietary patterns, and stress-related conditions on the oral health status of schoolchildren at NJV Government School, Karachi, based on questionnaire responses and clinical examination findings. Among 142 students between 10 and 16 years old, a quantitative cross-sectional study was taken at one point in time. Rather than relay on self-reports, actual oral exams followed World Health Organization protocols. These examinations recorded decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT), gum health, presence of dental plaque, bad breath, and tooth discomfort. Though surveys provided behavior data, clinical findings confirmed the results based on physical signs. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS software, Including both descriptive and inferential methods, with statistical significance set at p