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Factors related to plaque distribution in a group of Canadian preschool children
L D Koroluk1, J N Hoover, K Komiyama
1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Insights
Plaque distribution in preschool children is linked to dental caries. Posterior teeth and buccal surfaces had more plaque, with variations based on examination time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Health Research
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Plaque accumulation is a primary factor in dental caries development.
- Understanding plaque distribution patterns in young children is crucial for targeted oral hygiene interventions.
- Previous research has not extensively detailed plaque distribution by tooth type and surface in preschool populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with dental plaque distribution among preschool-aged children.
- To determine the relationship between plaque scores and dental caries prevalence (dft/dfs) in this age group.
- To analyze plaque distribution differences based on age, tooth location, and examination timing.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 153 children aged 3-5 years from Saskatoon, Canada.
- Dental plaque assessed using the Silness & Loe index; dental caries evaluated using the WHO criteria.
- Plaque scoring conducted on buccal and lingual surfaces of all teeth, with data analyzed for age, tooth type, arch, and time of day.
Main Results:
- Mean plaque score was 0.51, with no significant age-related differences.
- Total plaque score showed a significant positive correlation with decayed, missing, and filled teeth/surfaces (dft/dfs).
- Significantly higher plaque levels were observed on posterior teeth versus anterior teeth (P < 0.0001) and on buccal versus lingual surfaces (P < 0.001).
- Plaque distribution varied significantly between morning and afternoon examinations.
Conclusions:
- Dental plaque levels in preschool children are associated with caries experience.
- Plaque predominantly accumulates on posterior teeth and buccal surfaces, indicating specific areas for focused oral hygiene.
- The time of day may influence plaque assessment, suggesting standardization for future studies.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify factors that were related to plaque distribution in a group of preschool children. 153 children aged 3-5 years from seven randomly-selected preschool programmes in Saskatoon, Canada, were examined for plaque (Silness & Loe, 1964) and for dental caries (WHO, 1987). The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: 3, 4 and 5 years old. Plaque was assessed on the buccal and lingual surfaces of all teeth. The examinations were conducted in the morning or afternoon. No prior oral hygiene instructions were given to the children or parents. Teachers, however, were informed when the examinations would take place. The mean total plaque score was 0.51. There was no significant difference between the plaque scores for the different age groups. Total plaque score was significantly related to dft and dfs scores (P < 0.05). The mean dft was 0.68 and mean dfs was 1.18, and 80.4% of the subjects were caries-free and had no restored teeth or surfaces. There was significantly more plaque on posterior teeth than on anterior teeth (P < 0.0001), and on buccal surfaces than on lingual surfaces (P < 0.001) in both mandibular and maxillary arches. Significant differences in plaque distribution were also found between subjects examined in the morning or the afternoon.