Oral Hygiene Practices of Rural and Urban School Going Children in Punjab

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The early years of life are essential for establishing a solid foundation for oral and dental health. Children with poor oral and systemic health typically have poor dietary habits and insufficient oral hygiene practices, particularly brushing. Objective: To assess and compare the oral hygiene practices of rural and urban school-going children in Punjab. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022, after the approval of IRB, among five urban and five rural schools in Punjab using an interview-administered survey tool through purposive sampling of 600 students. The questionnaire was developed by the authors and validated using face validity. The data were stored and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Result: A total of 650 students were approached; out of them, 600 responded. Almost one-third of them had the habit of brushing twice daily (27%), whereas most were brushing once daily (65.4%). The rural school children used miswak, manjan, and their finger more significantly; however, toothpaste was the major agent for cleaning teeth (89.4%). The urban school children were using toothbrushes more significantly. Rural school children more frequently used Miswak and finger. Urban schoolchildren often brushed at night, whereas no difference was reported between morning and nighttime. Conclusion: Most urban school children were using toothbrushes and toothpaste. The use of miswak and manjan was more common in rural areas. The most common time for brushing was morning and night. Rural areas need to have access to oral health education and subsidized toothpaste and toothbrushes.