Evangeline F. Padlan1 and Maria Lourdes E. Cantor2
1 Graduate School
University of Baguio, Baguio City, Philippines
2 Adviser, School of Dentistry
University of Baguio, Baguio City, Philippines
Abstract
Dental caries is one of the most common oral health problems among school children due to lack of preventive programs. Early childhood caries can begin early in life, progresses rapidly in those who are at high risk, and often goes untreated. Its consequences can affect the immediate and long-term quality of life of the child. Thus, the attitude of care and attention to the oral cavity can highly affect a child’s future appearance and health. This research sought to assess the effect of the pragmatic approach on toothbrushing to improve oral hygiene among Grade I pupils at the Malued Elementary School, Dagupan City. This study used a quasi-experimental research design. The up and down stroke of toothbrushing for a total of eight weeks was conducted to fully assess if there was a significant improvement on the level of oral hygiene of the pupils. Results showed that there was a positive mean difference between the pretest and posttest scores of the pupils. It asserts that there is a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest levels of oral hygiene of the pupils. This implies that there was a significant improvement in the level of oral hygiene of the Grade One pupils at Malued Elementary School. Both males and females are equally effective in removing plaque on tooth surfaces resulting in good oral hygiene. It only shows that both genders display the same dexterity and skills in performing the toothbrushing technique that was previously demonstrated to them.
Keywords: dental caries, pragmatic approach, oral hygiene, up and down stroke, grade 1 pupils
