Oral Hygiene and Gingivitis in Children

Oral hygiene as a means and an end is a relatively novel concept which has only attained tactic public recognition as a desirable cosmetic endeavor during this last century. Numerous factors may effect the distribution of plaque and gingivitis in the mouth. Of considerable importance must be the oral hygiene habits of each person, which will be influenced by compliance and dexterity with tooth cleaning methods. Most people exercise some measure of oral hygiene, and toothbrushing seems to be the method of choice providing thorough and regular cleaning.This present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different brushing habits on dental plaque accumulation and gingival health of children of Meerut district. An epidemiological study was conducted on four hundred and fifty nine children irrespective of sex and socioeconomic status between the ages of 8 - 14 years. Each child patient was assessed using plaque index and the modified gingival index. A case sheet was preparedwhich was made to include the vital statistics of the child patient along with his dentition.The data was recorded and was put on statistical analysis.