Factors related to plaque distribution in a group of Canadian preschool children

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.