ABSTRACT
The effects of periodontal diseases observed in adults have earlier inception in life period. Gingival diseases in a child may progress to jeopardize the periodontium in adulthood. Therefore, periodontal diseases must be prevented and diagnosed early in the life. Periodontal diseases risk factors must also be identified. The aim of this research was to find the prevalence and identify the risk factors of gingivitis among the children referred to Isfahan [Khorasgan] Azad University Dental School Clinic, Isfahan, Iran. In this research, the prevalence of gingivitis and its related risk factors were determined in 360 school children referred to Isfahan Azad University Dental School clinic. A questionnaire was filled for each student in which some information regarding their parent's education level, family income, and their school results were obtained. The habit of mouth breathing was also assessed. Then gingival, plaque, and oral hygiene indices were determined and recorded for each student. The prevalence of gingivitis was 73% among the children. With increasing the age from 6 to 11, the severity of gingivitis was increased. In all age groups, level of oral hygiene was superior in girls. Poor oral hygiene, mouth breathing, lower family income, and lower level of mother's education had negative effects on gingival health. The high prevalence of gingivitis observed in this research showed that comprehensive educational, preventive, and therapeutic oral hygiene programmes are needed to be planned from early school years