Assessment of Dental Caries Status and Oral Hygiene Practices among 6–10-year-old Rural and Urban Schoolchildren in South Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Dental caries is the most common disease affecting oral cavity. Despite credible scientific advances and the fact that dental caries is preventable, the disease continues to be a major public health problem. AIM: To assess the dental caries status and oral hygiene practices among 6–10-year-old rural and urban schoolchildren in south Bengaluru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 452 children from four schools which included one government school from rural and urban area and one private school from rural and urban area in south Bengaluru. Detailed pro forma was used, and information was recorded through an interview system. The examination for dental caries was made according to the dentition status and treatment needs as described by the World Health Organization (1997) using Community Periodontal Index Probe and Plane Mouth Mirror (type III examination), under natural day light in school premises. The examination was done by a single examiner and recorded by the trained personnel. RESULTS: Prevalence of dental caries was more in rural schoolchildren. More than five decayed teeth were documented in higher percentage of children in rural government school, while it was much less in children of other schools. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive community-focused oral healthcare intervention that includes oral health education in elementary schools and homes is recommended to increase general oral health awareness. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chandregowda KY, Kumar VD, Shankarappa KB, et al. Assessment of Dental Caries Status and Oral Hygiene Practices among 6–10-year-old Rural and Urban Schoolchildren in South Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):348–354.