Self-esteem as a predictor of toothbrushing behaviour in young adolescents

A survey of 4075 14-year-old children from secondary schools throughout England was made to obtain information about toothbrushing frequency, motivation for mouth care, and self-esteem. Subjects completed a questionnaire, anonymously, in class. Toothbrushing frequency was found to increase significantly with increasing self-esteem in males (P less than 0.0001) and females (P less than 0.05). However, there was no consistent variation with self-esteem in those brushing 3 or more times per day, in either sex. There was a significant variation in the main reason given for mouth care between the sexes (P less than 0.0001); proportionately more females (67%) than males (57%) gave cleanliness or cosmetic effect as the principal reason for mouth care. A variation was observed in the mean reason given for mouth care with self-esteem in females (P less than 0.05), but not in males. However, in both sexes, as self-esteem improved, there was a consistent increase in the proportions of individuals who brushed their teeth to make them feel clean. These findings suggest there may be a positive relationship between self-esteem and toothbrushing behaviour and motivation for mouth care in adolescents.