RESUMO
To determine the oral health knowledge among female secondary school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The information about oral health knowledge was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 656 randomly selected female secondary school children completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the children was 16.6 [SD 1.4] years ranging from 14 years to 18 years. A great majority [94.4%] of the children was aware that good dental health is important for good general health. About two-thirds [68.0%] of the children correctly thought that teeth should be cleaned after each meal, however, more than one-fifth [22.0%] of the children reported that no one taught them how to clean their teeth. More than one-third [37.3%] of the children thought that one must visit the dentist only in case of pain in teeth. About nine in ten children [91.0%] were aware that sweets [chocolates/candies] could cause tooth decay. However, a large number of children were not aware of cariogenic potential of sweetened milk [74.5%]. About three-fourth [76.5%] of the children knew that the best way to maintain optimum gingival health was to clean their teeth daily. Dentists were the most popular [48.5%] source of oral health information. The oral health knowledge of female secondary school children in Riyadh is satisfactory. However, further information needs to be provided in the areas of toothbrushing, importance of regular dental visits and harmful effects of sweetened/soft drinks