Oral hygiene practices, dental service use and oral health self-perception of schoolchildren from a rural zone in the Brazilian Northeast region

Authors

  • Valdenice Aparecida de Menezes Asces
  • Rachel Pollyana Falcão Lorena asces
  • Liliane Cristina Barbosa Rocha ASCES
  • Angéllica Falcão Leite ASCES
  • Jainara Maria Soares Ferreira FOP/UPE
  • Ana Flavia Granville-Garcia UEPB

Keywords:

Oral health, oral hygiene, schoolchildren, rural population

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the oral hygiene practices, use of dental services and self-perception of oral health of school children from the rural areas of the city of Caruaru, PE, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out using interviews with structured questionnaires aimed at students aged between 6 and 12 years (n=150). Demographic and socio-economic data on oral hygiene practices, the use of dental services and self-perception of oral health were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests). Results: Most of the students cleaned their teeth (82.0%) with toothpaste (98.0%), a toothbrush available at the market (93.2%) and dental floss (26.4%). All students (150) had a toothbrush, the majority (86.7%) for individual use, and performed three or more daily brushings (56.4%). A significant portion had visited the dentist (72.7%) due to the need for treatment (57.8%) and toothache (33.0%). Among those who had never been to the dentist, fear (36.6%) was the main reason. The majority (56.0%) considered their teeth to be in good condition. Conclusion: Despite the low socio-economic status of the evaluated population, changes in oral hygiene practices and the demand for dental care were observed.

Author Biography

Valdenice Aparecida de Menezes, Asces

Professora Adjunto de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia da Associação Caruaruense de Ensino superior (ASCES)

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Published

2010-01-22

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Original Article