Toothbrushing frequency in relation to family size and bedtimes in English schoolchildren

Data from a survey of 3727 14-yr-old children from 31 secondary schools in England in 1984-85 were analysed to obtain information about toothbrushing frequency, social group, number of siblings, and time of going to bed. Subjects completed a questionnaire, anonymously, in class. One third of respondents cleaned their teeth once or less per day. Toothbrushing frequency was found to increase significantly with improvement in social status in males (P less than 0.05), while a similar non-significant trend was found in females. Toothbrushing frequency decreased significantly as the number of siblings increased (P less than 0.01) and a trend towards decreasing brushing frequency as bedtimes became later was observed. These findings indicate that family factors do influence toothbrushing practice in adolescents. These factors need to be understood more thoroughly if toothbrushing habits in school-age children are to be improved.