Deleterious Oral Habits Among School Going Children: A Cross Sectional Study

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of deleterious oral habits among school-going children in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: The was conducted at Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore, from July 2018 2019. A total 500 aged 6 12 years were included study. structured questionnaire used collect demographic information and data on habits, including nail biting, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, lip tongue thrusting. analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: found be 72.6%, with biting being most prevalent habit observed (48.2%), followed by sucking (17.4%), breathing (12.4%), (9.4%), thrusting (5.2%). There a significant association between variables such as gender, age, family income education level parents. Conclusion: high Pakistan, is public health concern that requires attention intervention promote prevent adverse effects these general health. Early programs should implemented children. Our also provides valuable for policymakers develop targeted interventions address issues different socioeconomic backgrounds. Keywords: Deleterious