Dental Health Knowledge and Practices among School Children

Abstract

Introduction

Dental health problems are very common among the children which are attributed to their failure to perform the right way of caring for their teeth. A "healthy smile" means a lot more today than simply having white, straight teeth. Oral health is directly related to general health. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems, most commonly dental caries, gingivitis, and bad breath. Findings show that poor oral hygiene, (such as gum disease) is strongly linked to numerous disorders including heart attack, stroke, diabetes and systemic disease (ADA 2000).In the Philippines, the main oral health problems are dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease(gum disease). These two oral diseases are so widespread that 92 percent of our people are suffering from tooth decay and 78 percent have gum disease. These diseases outrank the top Philippine illness picture of acute respiratory infection and gastrointestinal diseases. This does not mention yet, crooked teeth, mal-relation of the jaws, cancer of the oral cavity and others. No community in the Philippines is free from dental diseases (DOH 2007.)

Methods

The descriptive research design was used in the study using statistical tools like frequency counts and percentages, weighted mean, t-test, ANNOVA, and Pearson Correlation.

Results

Based on the findings of the study, the respondents are young in their early adolescent stage, taking up their basic education, enrolled in public schools, perceived to have a normal health status and most belonged to the lower socio-economic status with parents who did not pursue a higher level of learning. The respondents knew facts on the care of their teeth but seldom visit theDentist for further management of dental caries. However, they were slightly aware of the use of other alternative ways used to treat dental problems.

Discussions

The respondent's perception of their knowledge and practices is not affected by their profile variables. Their profile variables have no relationship with their dental health knowledge and practices. The proposed program is prepared to enhance further dental health knowledge and practices among the pupils.Keywords: