Prevalence of dental caries and oral health habits among school children in Budhanikantha Municipality, Nepal

Dental caries is the most common oral health disease among school-aged children worldwide. Aim: This study aims to identify the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene practices, and food habits among school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two secondary schools in Budhanikantha Municipality, Ward No. 2 and 12, with a total of 400 students participating. An oral examination was performed by a dentist, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) were used to determine the presence of dental caries. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 was used for all analyses. Results: Among the participants, the majority (66.3%) were aged 10-14 years, with a mean age of 13.58 years (±1.85), and were male (57.3%). The prevalence of dental caries was 63.0%, with a mean DMFT score of 1.67 (±1.82). Only 38.0% of participants brushed their teeth twice a day, and all used a toothbrush for brushing. Drinking tea with sugar (61%), eating sweets/candy (42%), and biscuits, cakes, and cream cakes (37.8%) were the most frequently consumed items and were consumed on a daily basis. Health-seeking behavior was poor, with the majority (32.8%) of participants not visiting the dentist within 12 months, and 22% never receiving dental care. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of dental caries among school children, indicating a need for improved oral health practices and healthcare utilization. The low frequency of tooth brushing and high consumption of sugary foods and drinks suggest that oral health education and promotion of healthy habits are essential.