Oral health status of rural school children between 6-11 years – a cross sectional study

Background: Oral disease prevention, health promotion and access to care are important aspects of oral health in a global setting. The following study was taken up with the aim to evaluate the oral health in the rural school children of Melmaruvathur, Tamilnadu. Methods: A total number of 300 children between the age group of 6-11 years were clinically examined for oral hygiene status based on WHO criteria. Results – Average for good oral hygiene status is 33.5% and fair oral hygiene status is 64.9% and poor oral hygiene status is 1.3%. Data shows boys were better compared to girls. Conclusion: This study substantiated the need to develop preventive school health programs along with the improvement of dental health services for school children.