Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of gingival health care and oral hygiene status in junior high school students. A survey was conducted with 355 junior high school students in 1994, and then again with 350 students of the same school in 1999, in Hiroshima, Japan. The Oral Rating Index (ORI) was used for assessing the periodontal status and the results were given to each student. An annual lecture regarding periodontal diseases was given to the students from 1992 to 1994, and a brochure has been provided since 1995, following completion of the first survey. The results of our study of these surveys are as follows.
1. The mean ORI score of the students in 1999 was significantly higher than in 1994 (p<0.001).
2. The mean ORI score of females was significantly higher than that of males at each grade level (p<0.001).
3. The differences in mean ORI scores between grades in both males and females in 1994 were not statistically significant, however, the scores tended to improve with a higher grade level in 1999.
In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that an informational brochure on periodontal diseases was helpful in improving the periodontal condition of junior high school students.
