Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among School-Aged Learners in the Northern Samar

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the level of oral hygiene knowledge and practices among school-aged learners in the Division of Northern Samar to facilitate the development of an effective dental health education program. A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gain insights into the students' perspectives on oral health. Data were collected from 377 respondents in grades one through six across four districts, with Catarman being the primary representation. The study revealed that the students' diet predominantly consisted of expensive fish, expensive chicken, expensive rice, and expensive vegetables. Despite being from low-income, college-educated families, the majority of respondents' parents emphasized the importance of brushing teeth after every meal. Dental decay, multiple tooth decay, and tooth loss were prevalent among the respondents, who also lacked dental fillings and believed that regular teeth cleaning was the most effective way to remove plaque.