Oral Hygiene Practices and Periodontal Status of Prisoners at Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri, Lagos State

Incarcerated populations represent a vulnerable group with disproportionately high oral disease burden, limited access to dental care, and poor oral hygiene practices. Despite this, oral health research among Nigerian prison populations is virtually absent from the published literature. This descriptive cross-sectional study assesses the oral hygiene practices and periodontal status of male adult prisoners at the Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri, Lagos State, in the South West geopolitical zone. A convenience sample of 200 inmates was examined using the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). A structured questionnaire was also used to assess toothbrushing frequency, type of cleaning agent used, and knowledge of gum disease. Results indicate that 76% of inmates had poor oral hygiene scores, with calculus deposition the most prevalent finding. Periodontal pocketing of 4 to 5mm was recorded in 43% of participants, and deep pocketing above 6mm was observed in 12.5% of the sample. Toothbrushing once daily or less was reported by over 60% of participants. Access to toothbrushes was reported as inconsistent due to prison supply limitations. The study advocates for the inclusion of oral health services in the basic healthcare provision for inmates and recommends collaboration between Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service to deliver quarterly dental outreach programs to custodial facilities. Keywords: oral hygiene, periodontal status, prisoners, Kirikiri Lagos, incarcerated population.