Oral prophylactic procedures and gingival health among Nigerian school children

Various researchers have advocated the use of chewing sticks in community oral health programmes because they are readily available, cheaper than the toothbrush and paste, and are found to possess antiplaque properties. Oral health education is essential for enlightenment on good oral health maintenance. The study was thus aimed at educating children on how to maintain a good oral health (including the efficient use of various oral hygiene implements) and noting the impact on their gingival health. 120 school children with no gingival disease, aged 12 to 14 years, participated in the study. They were all examined intra-orally and their plaque scores were recorded. After two weeks of oral health education programmes, they were randomly assigned into three equal groups, each group using either the toothbrush/paste, the Massularia acuminata chewing stick or the Sorindeia warneckei chewing stick for three months. Their plaque scores and gingivitis incidence were recorded. 36.0% had gingivitis, 2.0% had periodontitis with pocketing greater than or equal to 5 mm, and about 3.0% had gingival recession. More toothbrush users than the chewing stick users in the study had gingivitis (P less than .05). The inherent danger in introducing unfamiliar oral hygiene procedures to children without close monitoring is highlighted. Whatever mode of oral hygiene is adopted for use in children, adequate supervision by knowledgeable parents and teachers, and close monitoring by oral health personnel is mandatory in order to ensure effective use.