A study on the evaluation of tooth brushing skills and its relation with the age and gender of children

Abstract

The present study was undertaken for studying tooth brushing skills and its relation with the age and gender of children. A total of 100 school going children were assessed during the study period. A questionnaire was framed and was given to all the participants. The questionnaire included detailed knowledge about their brushing habits. Type of brushing habit was assessed among all the children. Also assessment was done in relation to age and gender. All the results were analysed by SPSS software. 41 percent of the subjects gave history of brushing once daily. Combined method of brushing was seen in 36 percent of the subjects while 35 percent of the subjects gave history of brushing with horizontal method. Non-significant results were obtained while assessing the tooth brushing skills in relation with the age and gender of children. Brushing regularly is a low-cost, effective strategy to reduce the risk of childhood caries. Community-based efforts can help parents achieve this important health behaviour.