Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge Among Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Ulaanbaatar
- VernacularTitle:Нийслэлийн зарим ЕБС-ийн сурагчдын амны хөндийн эрүүл мэндийн мэдлэгийн түвшинг үнэлсэн нь
- Author:
Nomin G
1
;
Oyuntsetseg B
1
;
Tselmeg B
1
;
Oyunzul B
2
;
Мisheel M
2
;
Chimedsuren O
3
Author Information
1. Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry, Department of pediatric and preventive dentistry
2. Gerelt Ireedui Od Mur Foundation researcher
3. Mongolian Academy of Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Children;
Dental caries;
Oral health;
Oral health education;
School health;
Toothbrushing facilities
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2026;217(3):59-66
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Oral health is an essential component of children's overall health, growth, nutrition, learning
ability, and quality of life. Establishing appropriate toothbrushing habits during early childhood
requires both effective oral health education and a supportive school environment. This
study aimed to assess oral health knowledge among second-grade primary school students
and examine its relationship with dental caries prevalence and the availability of school
toothbrushing facilities.
Goal:To evaluate oral health knowledge among second-grade students in selected public primary
schools in Ulaanbaatar and determine its association with dental caries prevalence, sex, and
the school toothbrushing environment.
Materials and Methods:A school-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in May 2026 among
971 second-grade students from 12 public primary schools in Khan-Uul, Chingeltei, and
Bayanzurkh districts of Ulaanbaatar. Schools with and without designated toothbrushing
facilities were selected using a 1:2 ratio. Oral health knowledge was assessed using a
structured questionnaire consisting of 10 questions covering daily oral hygiene, toothbrushing
practices, dietary factors, and preventive care. Dental caries were assessed through clinical
oral examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test,
and Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. The study was conducted with the
approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences (MNUMS), under Approval No. 26/03, issued in 2026.
Results:Overall, 74.77% of students had dental caries, indicating a high prevalence. No statistically
significant difference in caries prevalence was observed between boys and girls. Students
attending schools equipped with toothbrushing facilities had a significantly lower prevalence of dental caries than those attending schools without such facilities (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42
0.76). Regarding oral health knowledge, 59.84% of students demonstrated poor knowledge,
37.88% moderate knowledge, and only 2.88% good knowledge. Students showed relatively
good knowledge of cariogenic foods and recommended toothbrush replacement intervals;
however, knowledge of proper toothbrushing techniques, appropriate toothbrush selection,
and the importance of preventive dental visits remained insufficient.
Conclusion:Most second-grade students had inadequate oral health knowledge and a high prevalence
of dental caries. School toothbrushing facilities were associated with a lower risk of dental
caries. Strengthening practical school-based oral health education, establishing standardized
toothbrushing facilities, and integrating regular preventive dental examinations into school
health programs may contribute to improving children's oral health and reducing dental
caries.
- Full text:2026101821522923530MMS-2026-217(3)-59-66.pdf
