IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-6-11054 Original Research Paper A STUDY ON ORAL HYGIENE STATUS AND PRACTICES AMONG RURAL SCHOOL STUDENTS Vijay Paul.R Dr. June 2017 6 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Background: Oral health is an essential component of general health and has become a major public health concern. Proper oral hygiene practices if cultivated at an early age will ensure a life free from oral diseases. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a sample of 200 rural school students in the age group of 12 to 15 years. Oral hygiene index–simplified (OHI–S) was adopted to assess oral hygiene status. Results: The mean OHI–S score was 1.9320±1.046. Self reported oral health practices like brushing twice in a day, using toothpaste with toothbrush, appropriate method, taking >2 minutes per brushing, changing toothbrush in 1 to 3 months were significantly associated with less OHI–S scores (p=0.0000).Regular dental check–ups (P=0.0145) and less frequent consumption of sugar based foods(p=0.0490) influence positive oral hygiene. Conclusion: Oral health programmes addressing adolescents will improve the oral health status.