The relationship between the oral hygiene practices and the dental caries status of students of the bayelsa state college of health technology, otuogidi, ogbia – town

Background: This research was aimed at determining the relationship between the oral hygiene practices and the dental caries status of students of the Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, Otuogidi, Ogbia – Town. Method: A cross-sectional survey assessing their dental caries status as well as their oral hygiene practices was carried out. Results: Majority of the students presented with a lowdental caries status, with mean (DMFT) Index of 0.26 + 0.97 S.D. The use of toothbrush and toothpaste were the most commonly used oral hygiene aids. Majority of the students, n=167 (52.8%) clean their teeth once daily. Majority of the students, n=77.2%, also had never visited the dental clinic. Our study further revealed that dental caries status is dependent on the number of timesin a day that the mouth is cleaned. Conclusion: The dental caries status of the students of the Bayelsa State College of Health Technology is low and is dependent on thenumber of times in a day that their mouths are cleaned. Recommendations of improved oral health services, oral health education and awareness not just among these students but to all Nigerians and the world at large were made.