Effect of Oral Health Educational Program on Oral Hygiene Status in a Group of Egyptian School Children: A Before and After Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an oral health educational program on oral hygiene among a group of schoolchildren in Egypt.

Methods: A before-and-after study was conducted among children aged 9–12 years. A total of 155 Egyptian schoolchildren (90 females and 65 males) participated in the study. An interactive health education program was specially designed and delivered, incorporating a PowerPoint presentation, videos, flyers, and posters with basic information about oral health, as well as simple instructions on proper tooth-brushing techniques and gum care. Oral hygiene was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) at baseline (T0) and six months after the intervention (T1).

Results: Statistical analysis showed a marked overall reduction in the percentage of debris and calculus by the end of the study. A highly significant decrease in debris levels was observed from T0 (=1.92) to T1 (= 0.09). Similarly, calculus levels significantly decreased from T0 (= 1.35) to T1 (= 0.02). Although the difference between males and females was not statistically significant (93.5% and 96.4%, respectively), a marked improvement in OHI-S scores was observed. The percentage of participants with OHI-S scores between 0.0 and 1.2, indicating good oral hygiene, increased markedly from 20% at T0 to 100% at T1.

Conclusion: The oral health education program effectively improved the oral hygiene of schoolchildren, as shown by significant decreases in OHI-S scores.