Oral Hygiene Index in Children with Stainless Steel Crowns in the Permanent Molars

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the oral hygiene index in children with stainless steel crowns in the permanent molars.

Introduction: Dental caries is a common disease, especially in children. Stainless steel crowns are used for the rehabilitation of carious molars to restore form and function either after root canal treatment or when caries is multi surface. Plaque and debris accumulates around these crowns if children fail to maintain it properly. Oral Hygiene Index shows patient’s oral hygiene and the presence of plaque on the surface of the teeth.

Materials and Method: This was a retrospective study conducted in a private dental institution in Chennai. The data was collected from the digital archives information system. 100 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The data analysis was performed using SPSS software .The chi square test and pearson correlation was done. p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: 24 patients had the OHIS score of 1.5, 18 patients had the OHIS score of 2, 24 patients had the OHIS score of 2.5,18 patients had the OHIS score of 3, 16 patients had the OHIS score of 1. Boys had higher OHI scores compared to girls.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that 40% children had good oral hygiene scores. Girls had better oral hygiene scores compared to boys. Oral hygiene instructions should be given to children with stainless steel crowns to prevent the spread of caries and gingival diseases to adjacent teeth.