Kiến thức và thực hành về chăm sóc sức khỏe răng miệng của học sinh và phụ huynh tại các trường tiểu học thị trấn Châu Thành, huyện Châu Thành, tỉnh Trà Vinh năm 2025

The prevalence of oral diseases, particularly dental caries, among school-aged children (6-11 years old) remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions and ranking among the most common ailments. In Vietnam, alarming statistics indicate that over 86% of children suffer from dental caries, with a high incidence of permanent tooth decay. Despite ongoing preventative efforts and projects aimed at improving oral health care in provinces like Tra Vinh, the rates of dental caries persist at concerning levels. Understanding the current status of oral health knowledge and oral health practice among students and their parents is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to describe the knowledge and practice of oral health care among students and parents at Chau Thanh town Primary School in Tra Vinh province, providing foundational data for targeted public health strategies.

Public health officials, dental practitioners, school administrators, educators, parents, and researchers in public health and dentistry.

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the oral health knowledge and oral health practice among 371 primary school students (grades 1-5) and their parents in Chau Thanh town, Tra Vinh province, during the 2024-2025 period. Employing a systematic sampling method and structured questionnaires, the research gathered critical data to assess current understanding and behaviors related to oral health care. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion of both students (64.7%) and parents (55%) possessed accurate knowledge regarding oral health. However, the application of this knowledge into proper oral health practices was significantly lower, with only 13.7% of students and 28.6% of parents demonstrating correct practices. This disparity highlights a critical gap between awareness and action, primarily attributed to insufficient guidance and limited access to comprehensive information on oral hygiene. The study's implications underscore the urgent need for strengthening dental education programs within schools and enhancing public awareness campaigns across the community. Furthermore, it emphasizes the vital role of collaborative efforts between schools, families, and health authorities to improve oral health outcomes among children, thereby mitigating the long-term impact of dental caries.