Evaluation of the knowledge level and motivation related to the oral health in two schools of Londrina, State of Paraná

Abstract

The present study is a fie/d-work to evaluate the knowledge level and motivation related to the oral health in children from two schools of Londrina, State of Paraná: Colégio Universitário (School 1) and Colégio Estadual Olympia M. de Tormenta (School 2). In this opportunity it was analyzed, in each school, the importance that children give to oral health and the information level about the hygiene and the ways of dental caries prevention. The data was collected througl1 questionnaires applied to 168 students of both sexes, 86 in eacl1 school, with age ranging from 11 to 15 years old (mean = 12 years old). The analyses of the results obtained permitted to conclude that the knowledge level and motivation related to the oral health in two schools is good, although some differences, statistically significant, were detected. In regard to dental tooth brushing, children from school 1 presented more knowledge and motivation than children from school 2, resulted by the guidance received from their parents. It was also verified that, although they had given value 10 the teeth, children (roll1 both schools already presented lack of information about the correct use o( the dental floss dental and tooth brushing. Therefore, techniques more suitable would justify the introduction of public dental health programs in both public schools and private schools.