Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

Oral hygiene and nutritional status of children aged 1-7 years in a rural community

Sn Okolo1, Ga Chukwu, I Egbuonu

  • 1Department of Paediatrics Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos-Nigeria.

Ghana Medical Journal
|February 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, and low measles immunization rates are prevalent in rural children, increasing their risk for serious oral diseases. Urgent public health interventions focusing on oral health, nutrition, and vaccination are crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oral Health
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) and cancrum oris are common in rural children aged 3-6 years.
  • Poor oral hygiene, measles, and malnutrition are identified as contributing factors to these prevalent oral diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the oral hygiene, nutritional status, and measles immunization coverage in children aged 13-84 months in a rural community.
  • To identify risk factors associated with common oral diseases in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 636 children aged 1-7 years from three rural communities.
  • Data collected via questionnaires on maternal biodata and child immunization status, oral hygiene assessment using plaque/debris index, and anthropometric measurements for nutritional status.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of poor oral hygiene was observed, with 55.2% having a plaque/debris index of 2 and 12.6% a score of 3.
  • 84.3% of the children were malnourished, and only 11.3% had received measles immunization.
  • Significant differences in oral hygiene status were noted across different age groups (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the widespread occurrence of poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, and inadequate measles immunization in the studied rural communities.
  • These factors collectively increase the risk of noma and other severe oral conditions.
  • There is an urgent need for integrated public health programs focusing on oral health, nutrition, and immunization promotion.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults08:47

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults

Published on: February 2, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.