ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SAPELE COMMUNITY, DELTA STATE NIGERIA.

Introduction: poor oral health can have profound effects on the quality of life. Experiencing pain while eating and chewing, embarrassment about the shape of teeth discoloration or damaged teeth can adversely affect people’s daily lives and well-being. Aim: To assess the oral hygiene practice among public senior secondary school students in Sapele Community. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 selected public senior secondary schools in Sapele Community, A well-structured questionnaire was used in obtaining information from respondents on oral hygiene practice. This study was collected before August and September 2023, data was analysed by using SPSS Version 29. Result: The study found that 56.7 % of students have knowledge of oral hygiene while 43.3% does not have knowledge of oral hygiene. Conclusion: This study shows that most of the students were aware and had high knowledge on the practice on oral hygiene. Although the utilization rate of dental care was relatively low, It is important to note that most established oral diseases and conditions are not redeemable that will last for a life time and influence the quality of life and general health. This raises the need to increase the awareness of oral hygiene practice for both preventive and curative purposes to prevent conditions and complications related to oral health in the nearest future. Recommendation: Considering the outcome of this study, it will be necessary to recommend that; Oral health programme and awareness should be added to school extra curriculum, all student should be taught oral hygiene. There should be regular awareness and programmes regarding oral hygiene practice for both students and teachers. Oral health should be included in the health insurance scheme. This will go a long way in ensuring affordable oral care.