0

Shamila Azimi

Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Afghanistan

Title: Oral hygiene status among 5 to 15 - Year - Old children stomatology national hospital in Kabul City

Abstract

Background: The practice of oral hygiene needs to be strengthened during adolescence, a time when there is a significant change in habits, leading to an increase in the prevalence of tooth decay associated with less frequent brushing. The purpose of the study is to determine the oral hygiene status of 5–15-year-old children. The lack of previous data in this field is one of the reasons for conducting this research so that we can provide accurate statistical data in Afghanistan.

Methods and material: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 5 and 15-year-olds in 431 children of the stomatology national hospital of Kabul city. A sample size was selected randomly from both gender groups, which were 161 males and 270 females. Oral hygiene status was assessed using a simplified oral hygiene index. The gingival index (Loe and Silness, 1963) was used for assessing gingival status. dmf and DMF for decayed, missed, and filled teeth in primary and permanent dentition are used to assess the prevalence of dental caries. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20.

Results: 21.2% of children had good oral hygiene status, 65.2% had fair oral hygiene, and 13.6% had poor oral hygiene. The mean OHI-S was 2.4±1.19. There is no statistically significant relationship between gender and oral hygiene status (p<0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was 80.9%. Boys mean dmf was 4.15±3.03 and it was in girls 3.05±2.67, which shows a higher prevalence of dental caries in boys than girls. The overall mean of dmf scores was 3.48±2.86. 173 (40.9%) had normal gums. 31.6% of children do not brush their teeth; 37.4% brush once a day.

Conclusion: oral hygiene status was fair in more than half of the sample size. High prevalence of dental caries seen in males. Dental caries is a major public health problem, and an active and effective dental care prevention program for children is needed.

Key words: oral hygiene, dental caries, children, gender


Biography

Shamila Azimi is a dedicated professional in the field of dentistry, known for her passion for public health. Born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, Shamila pursued her education at the Dentistry Faculty of Kabul Medical University of Sciences, where she graduated at the age of 25. Following her graduation, she embarked on an academic journey, serving as an assistant professor at Zawul University of Higher Education. During her tenure, she delved into various research areas, focusing particularly on dental public health, pediatrics, and preventive dentistry. Her dedication and commitment to excellence in research were recognized at the FMIC 12th Annual Research Scientific International Conference in Kabul, where her work was awarded. Shamila's research endeavors continue to make significant contributions to the field of dentistry, aiming to improve oral health outcomes and promote preventive measures. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is known for her enthusiasm for community outreach and education, actively engaging in initiatives to raise awareness about dental hygiene and care. She had 6 publications right now. With her unwavering dedication to improving dental health and her relentless pursuit of knowledge, Shamila Azimi remains a beacon of inspiration in the dental community.