ABSTACT

Background: Oral health is an important aspect of human wellbeing. The effect of poor oral hygiene is oral diseases. WHO guideline has stipulated the active involvement of civil societies in promoting oral hygiene. 

Objectives: Lady Helen Child Health Foundation (LHCHF) in commemoration of the oral hygiene day 20th March carried out an outreach to secondary schools in Nigeria to educate and enquire about practices, attitude and knowledge of school children in relation to their oral health to determine influencing factors and design interventions. 

Method: Two public secondary schools in Abuja and Lagos metropolis were randomly selected. 281 school children in senior secondary school three were involved. Self-administered questionnaires were used to get information from the participants. 

Results: The level of education of the parent was significant in association with participants knowledge of nutrition for oral health (p value- Abuja = 0.022, Lagos= 0.034) also parent’s income with treatment of gum diseases (p value- Abuja = 0.049). There was a significant association between having attended educational programme and who provided them with education (p value- Abuja = 0.026, Lagos = 0.018) and a high significance between wanting to receive oral health education and the person providing it (p value- Abuja < 0.001). 

Conclusion: This study highlights a high level of knowledge, good practice and attitude to oral health of the participating school children. The role of parents in the oral health of their children is highly significant. In designing interventions this study encourages the collaboration between policy makers, educators and parents. 

Research In Context: Healthy teeth showcase self-confidence, well-being, allowing individuals socialize and work without having pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Good oral practices promote oral health. There is a surge in the incidence of oral diseases. Prevention and management of oral diseases include promoting oral education especially among vulnerable groups. Civil societies should be actively involved in promoting oral health. This was gathered from WHO fact sheets, guidelines and database (2019- 2023). 

This study highlights the effect of good oral practices on oral health as seen among the participants. It also reflects the significance of parents’ involvement in the prevention and management of oral health from an early age. It encourages the involvement of civil societies in the promotion of oral health. 

Collaboration between policy makers, educators and parents should be emphasized within the health economy. LHCHF in its mission is committed to improving the health outcomes of children. In collaboration with the Ministries of Women Affairs, Health, and National planning

Keywords: Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Parents, Civil Societies, Oral Education.

Aminat Sani1, and Benjamin Odeka2
1 BSc, MSc Microbiology (Research Fellow Lady Helen Child Health Foundation)
2 MBBS DCH MA FRCP FRCPCH (Director of Research Lady Helen Child Health Foundation)

Corresponding author: Dr Benjamin Odeka, MBBS DCH MA FRCP FRCPCH (Director of Research Lady Helen Child Health Foundation) Nigeria. Email: ben@ladyhelenchildfoundation.com 

https://skgpublishers.com/assets/article-pdf/a-questionnaire-based-assessment-of-knowledge-attitude-and-practices-of-dental-hygiene-among-school-children-in-nigeria.pdf 

Citation: Aminat Sani, and Benjamin Odeka (2026) A Questionnaire Based Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Dental
Hygiene among School Children in Nigeria. J Dent Maxillofac Med 1: 1-18.