Abstract

Dr. Irum Nawaz, Dr. Warda Zafar* and Dr. Dur E Nayab

ABSTRACT

Background: Oral health is key to general health and well-being. Sources of oral health info for adults are examined however documentation of children's sources is restricted. An honest oral health is that the state of mouth freed from any sickness affecting the mouth and its close structures. Oral health has remained as an integral a part of an individual’s general health and overall well-being. Objectives: To determine knowledge, attitude and practices of Dental hygiene among Children visiting OPD of Nishtar Institute of Dentistry. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was comprised 120 children who were interviewed. Participants were specifically children of 7-15 years old attended at Nishtar Institute of Dentistry. Frequency analysis of demographics knowledge, attitude and practice behavior regarding dental hygiene was done using descriptive statistics. Data analysis was done using SPSS V20. Results: Survey revealed that only 32% subjects brushed twice daily. About 4% reported use of neem stick and 89% used brush + tooth paste. A total of 82% had knowledge that infrequent brushing, sweets and soft drinks led to dental caries, staining of teeth, dental plaque and bleeding from gums. Only 21% visited dentist regularly after every 6-12 months. Conclusion: Study findings underscore the need for more hand washing and hygiene education in children. The overall level of Dental health knowledge among the surveyed children was low.