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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
[Oral health and hygiene status in galician schoolchildren]
María Blanco1, Mónica Pérez-Ríos2, María Isolina Santiago-Pérez3
1Xestión Integrada de Pontevedra e Salnés, Consellería de Sanidade. Pontevedra, España.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to determine the oral health and hygiene status in 12 year-old Galician schoolchildren.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1267 schoolchildren. The fieldwork was carried out in the 2010-2011 academic year. Information regarding socio-demographic status, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices was obtained through a structured self-report questionnaire given to the children at school. Dental examination to evaluate plaque and caries was carried out according to World Health Organization criteria. The prevalence and mean with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and logistic regression models were ajusted.
Results:
Out of a total of 1045 pupils who participated in the study, 35% showed incorrect removal of dental plaque, and the prevalence of caries was 39.3%. Those who belonged to a lower socioeconomic group showed a higher prevalence of caries. Those who brushed their teeth daily had better oral hygiene.
Conclusions:
Educational programmes need to be designed and implemented in order to improve dental health and hygiene.
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