Knowledge, attitudes and oral health care practices of children in Tshwane District, South Africa.

backgroundSouth Africa, like many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations, suffers from a shortage of dental services at the primary healthcare level and a limited number of dentists per capita. This scarcity results in limited access to dental care for children, contributing to the prevalence of oral diseases, especially in underserved communities. This study aimed to assess children’s knowledge, attitudes, and oral hygiene practices, and to further assess the effect of an educational intervention on their oral hygiene practices in selected primary schools in the Tshwane District, South Africa.

methodThis study used a quasi-experimental design employing a quantitative research approach, structured into three phases. The design was a nonequivalent groups design: This design uses a pretest and posttest for participants to gauge cause and effect. The study used purposive sampling for schools and random sampling for grades with 390 primary school children participated on the study. Data was collected at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months postintervention using standardized questionnaires and screening forms. Data analysis was conducted via IBM SPSS, which incorporates both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.

resultsAfter the intervention, awareness of toothbrushing as a preventive measure for tooth decay rose from 78.5% to 99%, while understanding of fluoride’s role in preventing tooth decay increased from 53.9% to 93.9%. There was an increase in knowledge that brushing prevents tooth decay and gum disease as the mean score dropped from 3.5 to 3.1 (p = 0.0001), while the attitude that rinsing after eating is necessary improved significantly (p < 0.0001). Regarding their practices, the use of toothbrush and toothpaste alone decreased from 79.2% to 73.1%, and adding mouthwash increased significantly (p < 0.001). The timing of the intake of sweet foods and beverages also showed a significant shift( p < 0.010).There was also a modest rise in those who consume sugar “not regularly“(20.3% to 28.5%).

conclusionEnhancing children’s oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices can significantly reduce the risk of long-term dental problems, particularly in areas with restricted access to dental care. Targeted, context-sensitive educational programs can foster better oral hygiene habits, support general health, and diminish preventable dental issues, thereby improving children’s quality of life.