Oral health related kap among 9 to 14-year-old school children in government schools of ramanagara district, karnataka

Background: To organize community-oriented oral health promotion programs, systematic analysis of the oral health situation would be needed, including information on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Aim: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward oral health among 9 to 14-year-old school children in a government schools of Ramanagara district, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 999 children (Male: 662; Female; 336) who were in the age group of 9-14 years studying in government schools of Ramanagara district Karnataka. Data on oral health KAP was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The data obtained was subjected to Statistical analysis using Chi-square test. Results: This survey found that only 87% of the children brush their teeth once daily. Most of the students did not know that oral problems caused other general diseases(53%). Cavities were present in 41% of study participants. High proportion of study participants reported having knowledge about the lack of brushing was the cause of gum problems (45%) Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that oral health KAP of study participants are poor and needs to be improved. Systematic community-oriented oral health promotion programs are needed to improve oral health KAP of school children.