[Stomatognathic system assessment with particular reference to tartar in children from swimmer classes in Szczecin]

The studied group comprised 200 children from classes 1st-8th. One hundred children were attending classes where they were trained intensively in swimming, the other hundred were from normal classes. History data were obtained on the place of residence and fluoride level in drinking water at that place, on the duration of training, on possible oral, eye, nose, throat symptoms related to training, and on the frequency and method of toothbrushing. Objective examination included the condition of the oral mucosa, permanent teeth, parodontium, oral hygiene, occlusion. The presence of hard, microgranular tartar was described in detail. On the basis of the examination it was found that the duration of training was 1-4 years in 65% of children, the remaining 35% went in for swimming since 5-8 years. In the control group 23% of children were trained in swimming not longer than 1 year. In the swimming group 35% of children complained about eye burning after training and frequent rhinitis. Caries intensity was similar in both groups. The gingival index was significantly greater in the swimming group. Oral hygiene, occlusion and hypoplasia were equally frequent in both groups. In 91% of swimming children dark microgranular tartar was present, in the control group it was present in 27% of cases. The tartar was usually brown, hard and adhered closely to the enamel.