MỘT SỐ YẾU TỐ THỰC HÀNH PHÒNG CHỐNG SÂU RĂNG CỦA HỌC SINH TRƯỜNG TIỂU HỌC VÕ TRƯỜNG TOẢN

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate selected factors related to dental caries prevention practices among students at Vo Truong Toan Primary School, Can Tho City. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 123 students currently studying at Vo Truong Toan Primary School, Can Tho City. Results: Students’ oral hygiene practices showed certain differences by gender, of which toothbrushing frequency per day was the only factor with a statistically significant difference. The majority of students brushed their teeth at least twice daily (82.1%), with a higher proportion among girls than boys (89.7% vs. 75.4%; p = 0.039). Other factors, including appropriate toothbrushing timing, snacking habits, toothbrushing technique, and toothbrushing duration longer than two minutes, showed no statistically significant differences between genders (p > 0.05). By age group, most students brushed their teeth at least twice daily and had snacking habits, with no statistically significant differences between the 6–7 and 8–10 year-old groups regarding these factors (p > 0.05). Students aged 8–10 years demonstrated a higher proportion of correct toothbrushing practices and brushing duration longer than two minutes. Among these, toothbrushing duration was the only factor showing a statistically significant difference between age groups (51.7% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Oral hygiene practices tended to be better among female students and older students; however, overall correct oral hygiene skills remained limited. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive and age-appropriate school-based dental education programs for primary school students.