Journal of Research and Advancement in Dentistry
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2018
Volume : Volume 9
Issue : Issue 3s
Address for correspondence :
Dr. Gaurav Tripathi.
researchguide86@gmail.com
Background: Routine tooth brushing is the principal method of preventing many oral diseases, and perhaps the most important activity an individual can practice to reduce plaque build-up. . It is generally known that toothbrushing by young children under age of 10 years are inefficient in toothbrushing due to lack of motivation and poor manual dexterity at this age. Present study was conducted to know whether the rural and urban children have similar or different oral hygiene practices regarding the toothbrushing technique, toothbrush grip and frequency of toothbrushing. Material and Methods: Present cross-sectional study was conducted in 320 school children divided in to 2 groups’ rural group and urban group. One hundred and sixty students from urban and same number of students from rural area in the 5-10-year age group and for whom parental consent was obtained to participate in the study, were included in the study from two schools which were willing to participate. Questionnaire regarding tooth brushing frequency was given to evaluate oral hygienic routines. Results: in rural group mostly students brushed only once a day whereas in urban group there were students who brushed their teeth twice a day and some even thrice a day. The difference was significant statistically (P≤0.05). In rural group distal oblique was followed by oblique grip, power grip, precision grip and spoon grip. Similarly, in urban group distal oblique grip was followed by oblique grip, power grip, precision grip, spoon grip. On comparison the data was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Tooth brushing is more frequent in urban area children compared to rural area children. Dental public health improvements remain a fundamental need in rural area and that there is an opportunity to address this need through changes in tooth brushing behavior.
Keywords: Distal oblique grip, school-children urban group, tooth brushing.
