Impact of Gingivitis on the Quality of Life of Primary School Children 8-10 Year Age Group in Al-Najaf City

Abstract

Background:Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of periodontal disease. It begins in early childhood, increases in prevalence and severity into the early teenage years, it has been recognized that children^'s quality of life is related to their oral health status.

Aim of the study:The survey was made to investigate the prevalence and severity of gingivitis in Al-Najaf city / Iraq the impact of this diseaseon the quality of life among (8-10) year old primary school children.

Subjects and methods: The total sample composed of 1200 children aged (8-10) year selected randomly from different primary schools in Al-Najaf governorate. WHO 2013 index was used for assessment of the gingival healthand oral hygiene assessed by Silness and Loe,1964plaque index, Calculus index by ramfjord 1959 and OHRQoLquestionnaire was applied for children.

Results: Results showed that the mean plaque index was (0.501±.055) and the mean gingival index was (0.137±.017)for the total sample. no significant differences were seen between OHRQoL questionnaires and oral hygiene and gingival health except plaque index PLI of four OHRQoLquesstionaire was significant.

Conclusion: Primary schools children in Al-Najaf were found to have a high prevalence ofgingivitis.Hence this survey highlighted the need of children to dental health education programs to public and school preventive measures among those children.