Oral hygiene status among 5 to 15-year-old children stomatology National Hospital in Kabul city

Abstract

: The practice of oral hygiene needs to be strengthened during adolescence, a time when there is a significant change in habits, leading to an increase in the prevalence of tooth decay associated with less frequent brushing. The propose of the study is to determine the oral hygiene status in 5-15-year-old children, the lack of the previous data in this field is one the reasons for conducting this research so that we can provide accurate statistics data in Afghanistan.: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 5-15-year-old in 431 children of stomatology national hospital of Kabul city. Sample size was selected randomly from both gender group which were 161 males and 270 females. Oral hygiene status was assessed by using simplified-oral hygiene index. Gingival index (loe and silness, 1963) was used for assessing gingival status. dmf and DMF for decayed, missed and filled teeth in primary and permanent dentition used to assess the prevalence of dental caries. Statistical analysis done by SPSS .20.21.2% of children had good oral hygiene status, 65.2% fair oral hygiene and 13.6% had poor oral hygiene. The mean OHI-S was 2.4±1.19. There is no Statistical significant difference between gender and oral hygiene status (p<0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was 80.9%. Boys mean dmf was 4.15±3.03 and it was in girls 3.05±2.67, that shows higher prevalence of dental caries in boys than girls. Overall mean of dmf scores was 3.48±2.86. 173 (40.9%) had normal gums. 31.6% of children not brush their teeth, 37.4% brush once in a day.: Oral hygiene status was fair in more than half of the sample size. High prevalence of dental caries seen in males. Dental caries is a major public health problem and an active and effective dental care prevention program for children is needed.