Assessment of Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Caries Among Preschool Children in Msallata City

Abstract

Oral health is a fundamental component of children's overall health and well-being. Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among preschool children worldwide despite being largely preventable. This study aimed to assess oral hygiene practices and evaluate their association with dental caries among preschool children aged 4–6 years in the Alqusbat district center of Msallata City, Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 preschool children selected from kindergartens in the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed oral hygiene practices, parental supervision, and dental attendance. Clinical oral examinations were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for dental caries assessment. The findings revealed that 43.5% of the children demonstrated good oral hygiene practices, whereas 56.5% exhibited poor oral hygiene practices. Most children reported brushing their teeth once daily (65%), while only 25% brushed twice daily. The prevalence of dental caries was 52%, and a considerable proportion of children had never visited a dentist (79%). Toothbrush and toothpaste were the most commonly used oral hygiene aids (81%). The results also indicated limited parental supervision and inadequate preventive dental care practices among many participants. The study concludes that dental caries remains a significant oral health problem among preschool children in Msallata City. Strengthening oral health education programs, promoting regular dental visits, and increasing parental involvement in children's oral hygiene practices are essential measures to improve oral health outcomes and reduce the burden of dental caries in this population.