Nepal like the Chepang, where children only have access
to public schools. A study conducted in Central and
Western Nepal among 5–6 year old schoolchildren,
reported 67% of children were affected by dental caries
[11]. In the present study, caries prevalence in 5-
6- year-old was 52%, which is in line with the national
pathfinder survey conducted in 2004 where caries was
reported to affect 58% of 5-6- year-olds. The dental caries
prevalence among 5–6 –year-old Chepang schoolchildren
is above the recommended target of WHO and
Federation of Dentistry International of having less than
50% caries free children by 2000 [12]. Experience of oral
pain was high with 31% of school children reporting
experiencing dental pain. Another study conducted in
Nepal among 9–11 years old schoolchildren had
reported that 45% of children suffered from tooth pain
[13]. In the same study, it was reported that 93% of children
had never visited a dentist and the decayed component
constituted almost entire dmft/DMFT index. Low
dental visit and 100% untreated caries could be due to
lack of access to affordable health care services. Similar
finding of high prevalence of untreated dental caries
was reported in studies in schoolchildren who had limited
access to dental care [14-16]. Rinsing mouth with
water is a common practice in Nepali culture. The study
reported 80% children rinsing mouth with water. The
most common aid used for maintaining oral hygiene
was toothbrush and toothpaste. Tooth brushing once a
day is a norm in Nepal. Only 56% school children
brushed their teeth daily. Brushing twice daily with fluoridated
toothpaste is a recommended practice for good
oral health [17]. Although Nepal is undergoing nutrition