• PRATIMA PAUL

Oral health is essential part of our health and wellbeing throughout the life span and is a key indicator of our health as well as quality of life. The aim of the research study is to assess the oral health status, treatment seeking behaviour and oral hygiene practice among primary school children .A descriptive survey research study was conducted at Khejuri Block-I, Purba Medinipur among 110 primary school children from 28th February to 27th March 2022. Purposive convenience sampling was adopted during home visit as school was closed due to covid19 pandemic situation. Oral health assessment tool, questionnaire and observation checklist were used to describe the variables and they were tested validity and reliability before data collection. Chai-square and Pearson correlation coefficient were calculated and p value of >0.05 was considered statistically significant for applied statistical test. Result showed that 68.18% participants and 7.27% had non satisfactory oral health status. 51.80% visited dentist and 48.20% participants did not sought any oral treatment. 51.02% participants did not give importance for follow up dentist advice. 67.27% had moderate oral hygiene practice and 32.72% poor oral hygiene practice. None of them had practice good oral hygiene. Majority (74.54%) of the participants had moderate practice of brushing technique. 80% children taken sticky chocolate whereas only 32.73% have habit of rinse the mouth after taking chocolate. A significant relationship between oral health status and oral hygiene practice except brushing technique was present. Age and education of children were statistically significant with oral hygiene practice at p< 0.05.Treatment seeking behaviour and actual oral hygiene practice on tooth brushing technique were not satisfactory and several malpractice were used by participants. So educational motivation is needed to improve oral health status.

Oral health status, Treatment seeking behaviour, Oral hygiene practice.

"Assessment of oral health status, treatment seeking behaviour and oral hygiene practice among primary school children in a selected rural community, West Bengal.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 8, page no.h810-h953, August-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2149.pdf

"Assessment of oral health status, treatment seeking behaviour and oral hygiene practice among primary school children in a selected rural community, West Bengal.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 8, page no. pph810-h953, August-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2149.pdf