Preventive programme for improving oral health in primary school children in Banjaluka

Abstract

Introduction. Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most frequent oral diseases and therefore determine oral health condition. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of the preventive programme for improving oral health in primary school children from first to fourth grade in Banjaluka. Material and methods.. Triennial study started in 2005 and included 911 second grade and 1491 fourth grade pupils in primary schools in Banjaluka. The study was completed in 2008. In the school year of 2007/08, 885 fourth grade pupils (examined in 2005. as second grade pupils) who were comprised by prevention program were reexamined. Dental check-ups were conducted by dentists on daylight using dental mirror and dental probe. Caries prevalence was analyzed using the DMFT index while oral hygiene was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI). Results. The structure of DMFT among the second grade pupils (in the school year 2005/06) showed that the dominant component of DMFT was for healthy teeth (81%), followed by decayed (14%) and filled teeth (5%). The average value of OHI was 1.47 for this group of pupils. The structure of DMFT in the fourth grade pupils (in the year 2005/06) showed that the dominant component of DMFT was also for healthy teeth (75%). The next were decayed (18%) and filled teeth (7%). The average value of OHI was 1.60. Data analyses in the school year 2007/08 from the fourth grade pupils (who were second grade pupils during the school year 2005/06) and were comprised by preventive programme, showed that DMFT had the dominant component of healthy teeth (81%) followed by 10% of decayed teeth and 8% of filled teeth. Extracted teeth were only 1%. OHI was 0.95. Conclusion. The preventive programme applied in primary schools in Banjaluka since 2005. decreased the number of oral diseases and improved oral hygiene among the children who participated in this program.