Behavioural patterns of children as risk factors of oral hygiene and dental caries- A short study

Abstract

Oral health is an important aspect affecting general health and quality of life. All children have different health considerations including oral health. Children have their own basic nature and this behaviour variability may influence their understanding and acceptability towards maintenance of oral hygiene. Some children may not follow the proper oral hygiene regimes due to variable behaviour which can drastically affect their oral status. Thus, the behaviour of child can act as an obstacle in maintaining oral hygiene. The present study was aimed at finding the association of child behaviour with dental caries and oral hygiene status.: A convenient sample of 100 children aged 6-11 years visiting the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry were taken for the study. A questionnaire was designed to assess the behaviour of children. Oral hygiene Index and Caries Index of the samples to be studied were recorded. The obtained data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis A statistically significant association was found between child behaviour and dental caries(deft). Also, different types of behaviour pattern showed difference in oral hygiene and caries index. a correlation between oral hygiene and child behaviour was also found.Oral health status has a multifactorial etiology with child behaviour as an influential factor. Especially in young children, it may directly or indirectly influence caries risk and oral hygiene status. If identified in initial phase, working upon it may help in promoting better oral health of children in the long run.