Oral Health Awareness in School Going Children and Its Significance to Parent’s Education Level

Abstract

Oral health, a pivotal component of overall well-being, has witnessed a surge in dental ailments among school-age children globally. This study explores the oral health awareness of children aged 5 to 15, with a specific focus on the influence of parental education levels. Two randomly selected government schools served as the backdrop for this cross-sectional research, employing the World Health Organization's 2004 guidelines for oral health awareness in children. The study's materials and methods involved personal interviews with both children and their parents to ensure a comprehensive understanding of oral health behaviors. Data analysis, conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 16.0), employed chi-square/Fisher's exact test for dichotomous data variables. Results from the evaluation of 210 children and their parents revealed compelling insights. Notably, children with uneducated parents exhibited a higher prevalence of toothache, less frequent brushing, and increased dentist visits for toothache, establishing a statistically significant correlation (p<0.001). The overall oral health status of the children was deemed average. The introduction of socio-economic factors through parental education levels adds a nuanced layer to the understanding of oral health determinants. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives, emphasizing the crucial role of parental involvement in shaping children's oral health behaviors. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by unraveling the intricacies of oral health awareness among school children and accentuating the pivotal role of parental education in influencing these health outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of proactive oral health initiatives at the school level, providing a foundation for evidence-based recommendations to improve oral health outcomes in this demographic.