UNPACKING THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF FOOD INSECURITY ON MENTAL HEALTH IN VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Dental caries is a leading global child health problem among school-going children that has a significant impact on their health and quality of life in general. The paper explores the dental caries and oral hygiene practices among school children in Coimbatore, India. In this cross-sectional study, 500 children aged 6-12 years in urban and rural schools were used. A questionnaire and clinical dental examination were the instruments used to gather data. The researchers discovered that 38 percent of the children were experiencing dental caries, with a greater percentage reported to be among those children who brushed their teeth less often and were frequent consumers of sugary snacks. The researchers also determined that 42 percent of children had never been to a dentist, and 50 percent of them could not use a toothpaste with fluoride. The results indicate that more oral health education and dental care should be accessible, particularly in rural communities