Study to Assess Perception of Dental Hygiene among Children of Low Socio-economic Strata in a Primary School of Rural India

Background: Dental caries in childhood remains a major public health concern, particularly among children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.Untreated dental caries can adversely affect nutrition, speech, school performance, and the development of permanent teeth, often leading to pain, infection, and costly treatment.The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among primary school children and to assess their awareness and practices related to oral hygiene.Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 school children aged 5-12 years.Data regarding oral hygiene practices were collected through personal interviews using a pretested questionnaire.This was followed by a basic oral examination to assess dental caries status.Each child was examined individually, and oral health education was provided after the assessment.Results: Dental caries was observed in 37% of the children.Oral hygiene awareness was found to be inadequate in most participants.Only 36% brushed their teeth in the morning, and 27% brushed for more than one minute.More than half of the children (52%) had never visited a dentist. Conclusion:The findings indicate insufficient awareness and poor oral hygiene practices among children from low socio-economic backgrounds.Parental involvement was also limited.School-based oral health education programs and regular dental screening camps are essential to improve oral health outcomes in this population.