Oral Health Education for Improving Oral Health Status of School Children - A Systematic Review

Background: Oral health education is most widely used in prevention of dental diseases. However, there is uncertainty about the value of these interventions. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education among school children. Methods: The following databases were selected for identification of studies. The Cochrane central register of controlled trials, PubMed, LILACS / BBO, MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT. Studies of at least 3 months duration with clinical evaluation like plaque index, gingival index and DMFT/DMFS index, studies with preto post test design were included for this review. Standardized mean difference is calculated for difference between intervention and control group in plaque score, gingival index scores and DMFT Index values. The metaanalyses was conducted using a random – effects model. Results: Six studies were included in this review, 4 studies provided data for comparison of plaque and gingival index scores and 2 studies provided data for comparison of DMFT index scores. Results showed interventions were effective in reducing the dental plaque, improved gingival status and decreased DMFT scores of the children. Conclusion: Oral health education is effective in improving oral health status of school children; data shows that oral hygiene is improved by decrease in plaque and gingival bleeding and also there was a significant decrease in dental caries.