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Updated: May 18, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Changes in caries prevalence and oral hygiene skills among preschool-aged children in Lithuania between 2000 and 2010
Jaunė Razmienė1, Giedrius Vanagas, Eglė Aida Bendoraitienė
1Department of Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lukšos-Daumanto 6, 50106 Kaunas, Lithuania. jaune.razmiene@gmail.com
Unlabelled:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence and severity of dental caries as well oral hygiene habits among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas (Lithuania) in 2000 and 2010.
Material And Methods:
A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out to reveal the changes in dental caries prevalence in 2000 and 2010. The study population comprised 4- to 6-year-old children living in Kaunas city and attending kindergartens. The study consisted of two parts: questionnaires on oral health behavior and clinical examination of children's teeth by the World Health Organization methodology.
Results:
A total of 941 4-6-year-old children were examined in 2000 and 2010. The prevalence of dental caries increased from 85.4% in 2000 to 88.4% in 2010; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.28). A significant increase in the dmf-t index, describing the severity of dental caries, was observed (from 7.42 in 2000 to 12.03 in 2010, P<0.001). The percentage of 4- to 5-year-old girls and 5-year-old boys brushing their teeth regularly decreased in 2010. During the period of the study, a significant change in the accumulation of plaque on children's tooth surfaces was documented (P=0.001).
Conclusions:
Comparing 2000 and 2010, no significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries among 4- to 6-year-old children in Kaunas was observed; however, the severity of dental caries differed significantly. A significant decrease in regular toothbrushing skills was documented for 4- and 5-year-old girls and 5-year-old boys. The Silness-Loe oral hygiene index was assessed as satisfactory.
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