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An educational programme designed for the evaluation of effectiveness of two tooth brushing techniques in preschool
D Ceyhan1, C Akdik2, Z Kirzioglu3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Insights
Preschool children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Inadequate oral hygiene behaviors are prevalent among preschool children and their parents.
- Effective tooth brushing techniques are crucial for maintaining oral health in early childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the oral and dental health of preschool children.
- To compare the effectiveness of two distinct tooth brushing techniques: the horizontal scrub and Fones technique.
- To evaluate the impact of an educational program on oral hygiene practices.
Main Methods:
- 163 healthy preschool children participated in the study.
- Oral health education and two brushing techniques (horizontal scrub and Fones) were taught.
- Plaque index and decayed, missing, filled teeth (dft-dfs) values were recorded at baseline and follow-up intervals (1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months).
Main Results:
- Both techniques led to a decrease in plaque index scores post-intervention.
- The horizontal scrub technique demonstrated greater ease of application and effectiveness in reducing plaque.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in dft-dfs values between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Educational programs incorporating repeated brushing training significantly improve oral health behaviors in young children.
- The horizontal scrub technique is more suitable for preschool children compared to the Fones technique.
- Early intervention and education are vital for establishing lifelong oral hygiene habits.
Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate oral and dental health status of preschool children, to teach them two different brushing techniques, and to determine the effectiveness of such techniques.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred sixty three healthy children from three preschools in Isparta (Turkey) that were willing to participate in the study were included. A questionnaire was distributed to the parents. All children were given an oral and dental health education. Examinations were done in the classrooms, and plaque index and dft-dfs values were recorded. In each preschool, the horizontal scrub technique was randomly taught to a group of children, and the Fones technique to other group, and children were asked to apply the technique taught. Plaque index scores were recorded again, measurements were repeated at 1 week, and 1, 3 and 6 months. Data were analysed statistically.
Results:
The questionnaires showed children's and parents' inadequate oral hygiene behaviours. Plaque index values for both techniques decreased from baseline at 1 week, and 1, 3 and 6 months. Values at month 6 were closer to baseline. The horizontal scrub technique was applied more easily and it provided an effective decrease on plaque index scores. No statistically significant difference was found for dft and dfs values.
Conclusion:
The educational programme with regular repeated tooth brushing training presented significant improvements in the oral health behaviours. The horizontal scrub technique was deemed more suitable than the Fones technique for preschool children.
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