Background: Oral habits are common in children and, when persistent beyond the early years, can lead to significant dental and facial abnormalities. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these habits is crucial for effective intervention and prevention. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of deleterious oral habits among school-going children in Modinagar, India, and to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic status.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 2000 children aged 5-12 years from both rural and urban schools in Modinagar. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 23, with Chi-Square tests used to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and the prevalence of oral habits.

Results: The overall prevalence of oral habits was 18%, with mouth breathing (5.6%) and nail biting (5.4%) being the most common. The prevalence was significantly higher in urban areas (22.8%) compared to rural areas (13.2%) (p<0.05). Age-wise, the highest prevalence was observed in the 7-9 years age group (47.5%), followed by the 10-12 years (27.8%) and 5-6 years (24.7%) age groups. No significant gender differences were noted. Socio-economically, the lower middle class exhibited the highest prevalence (36.7%), followed by the upper middle class (31.7%).

Conclusion: Deleterious oral habits are prevalent among children in Modinagar, with significant variations based on urbanization and socio-economic status. Early identification and targeted interventions are essential to mitigate the potential long-term impacts on dental and overall health. The study emphasizes the need for public health initiatives focused on educating parents and caregivers about the risks associated with persistent oral habits.