Improving oral health of adolescent girls in Kenya through education - An observational study

Objectives: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are significant health concerns in developing nations. This study assessed the impact of a comprehensive oral health education program on adolescent girls in rural Kenya.

Methods: Eighty-seven girls aged 13-18 years attending school in rural Nanyuki, Kenya, were enrolled in the study. The comprehensive program included personalized oral hygiene training, education and health advocacy coaching. Dental caries, gingival inflammation and dental plaque biofilm were assessed at baseline, 1- and 2.5-year post-implementation.

Results: The intervention was highly effective in arresting pre-existing carious lesions and preventing the formation of new ones in this population. The data revealed that there was a significant remineralization of incipient caries lesion, as shown by decreases in modified ICCMS™ scores from baseline to 1-year post-implementation. From baseline to the 2.5-year post-implementation assessment, only six new carious lesions developed. Dental plaque biofilm was reduced by 83.6%, and gingival inflammation was reduced by 81.6%.

Conclusion: A comprehensive oral health program, which included behavioural awareness and educational approaches, resulted in significant positive oral health outcomes in caries, dental plaque biofilm and gingival inflammation.