EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ON ORAL HYGIENE AND GINGIVAL HEALTH AMONG 15-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL CHILDREN IN JAIPUR CITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Socio-economic status (SES) significantly influences oral health outcomes, particularly among adolescents. Aim: To assess the association between SES,oral hygiene, and gingival health among 15-year-old school children in Jaipur City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 school children selected from 20 schools using stratified random sampling. SES was assessed using Modified Kuppuswamy Scale (2021). Oral hygiene and gingival status were evaluated using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and Gingival Index (GI). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation (p < 0.05).