[Analysis of the value of API and gum bleeding SBI markers for hygiene status in adolescent patients using an...

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of factors such as age, gender, standard of living and prophylactic methods used on API and SBI indices. An individual prevention program was started in 182 children aged 6-18 years and included 5 visits during 3 years of follow-up. The children were grouped according to age as follows: group I (6-9 years; n = 67); group II (10-12 years; n = 51); group III (13-15 years; n = 35); group IV (16-18 years; n = 29). During each visit the number of caries cavities, results of color test, SBI and API values were recorded. Questionnaires were used to determine oral hygiene and nutrition habits, as well as the standard of living. A tendency to decreasing SBI and API values was noted during the follow-up period, most notable in groups II and III (Table 1). Higher SBI and API values were found in boys than girls of groups II, III and IV (Table 2). Correlation between API and SBI was ascertained in all groups, corroborating the link between parodontitis and oral hygiene. No correlation was noted between API and number of cavities (Table 2). Fluoride prevention was generally associated with lower SBI and API values. Higher standard of living was linked with significantly lower API and smaller number of cavities in all age groups (Table 3). According to the questionnaires, dental care in terms of regular visits to the dentist, fluoridation and sealing is better in children with a higher living standard. Furthermore, these children eat less sweats and start toothbrushing earlier in life.