Level of knowledge of Oral Hygiene and The Practices of Oral Hygiene of Primary School Pupils in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the level of knowledge of oral hygiene and the practices of oral hygiene of primary school pupils in Borno state, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives, and four research questions were answered. Related literature was reviewed on the concept of oral hygiene, knowledge of oral hygiene among primary school pupils, levels of practice of oral hygiene among primary school pupils, factors that promote oral hygiene practices among primary school pupils. Survey research design was adopted for the study, Population for the study comprised all selected male and female pupils in Konduga primary. Simple random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty-five (125) respondents as sample for the study.  The research instrument used for the study was self-developed questionnaire with twenty items. Data collected were analysed using frequency count and percentage scores. The study revealed that, the respondents have good knowledge and experience of taking care for their teeth, which is significantly important in reducing teeth disease, the level of practice of oral hygiene of the respondents was moderate which has less significant effect on the health status of the respondents, the factors that promote oral hygiene practices is good which is significantly useful in preventing disease and incidence of mouth cancer and also in conclusion based on the findings of the study it was recommended among others that schools should provide suitable facilities such as safe and adequate water supply and wash basins to promote positive oral hygiene practices among school children.