Impact of social media on the knowledge regarding oral health practices and COVID-19 preventive measures among children

Abstract

Background: There has been a concerning escalation in oral health problems worldwide. More than half of Indian children are affected by dental diseases. Although several oral health education programs are being implemented at national and regional levels, the goal of optimal oral health seems elusive. During the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the ensuing global lockdown, social media played a key role in disseminating crucial information about the novel coronavirus, leading to appropriate protocols being followed by a vast majority of the population, resulting in the containment of the pandemic. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge among children about oral hygiene practices and compare them with knowledge regarding COVID-19 preventive measures in view of the role played by social media. Subjects and Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among children aged 10–15 years. Results: A total of 177 children responded to the questionnaire. The results showed that all the participants (100%) followed the correct method of wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, as advised by social media. More than half of the children (61%) had knowledge about the handwash protocol. Contrarily, only 33% of children brushed their teeth twice a day, 51% of children brushed for 2–3 min, 68% of children had a snacking habit, and only 7.3% of children were aware of the process to be followed in the event of tooth avulsion due to dentofacial trauma. Conclusion: Children are sensitized to information regarding COVID-19 safety measures and therefore followed them better than oral hygiene practices.