Mundhygienekenntnisse und -verhalten bei Kindern

Abstract

Objectives: Oral hygiene plays an important role in eliminating biofilms and preventing dental caries. However, the implementation of oral health knowledge that children learn from their parents and through school dental health programs remains poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate oral hygiene knowledge and its practical utilization in children and young adolescents (CYAs) aged 2-15 years. Materials and methods: Using a questionnaire-based, interview-style community survey, an on-site practical assessment of CYAs' toothbrushing skills was conducted during two 1-day public science-promoting events held at a major German university hospital in consecutive years. CYAs first answered questions on toothbrushing frequency, dental aids used, and dental care. They subsequently underwent diagnostic staining and demonstrated their brushing technique and method. CYAs' responses (percentages) to questionnaire items addressing oral hygiene knowledge and practice, and on-site assessment of toothbrushing skills served as the main outcome measures. Results: Of 244 participating CYAs, 178 (73%) CYAs had no history of caries; the percentage increased with age from 5% in 2- to 5-year old children to 40% in those aged > 10 years. Of 117/244 (48%) indicating that teeth should be brushed three times daily, 80/117 (68%) self-reported brushing twice daily, 32/117 (27%) reported brushing three times, and 4/117 (3%) stated doing so only once. Although 131/244 (54%) considered that teeth should be brushed for 3 min, 77/131 (59%) self-reported actually doing so and 41/131 (31%) reported brushing for 2 min. Seventeen of 42 (40%) participants aged >10 years showed no systematic brushing method, with 21/42 (50%) failing to clean their teeth completely. Participants aged 6-10 years exhibited the highest proportion (97/134, 72%) of complete cleaning. Good adherence to oral health recommendations (i.e., brushing ≥ twice a day for ≥2 min) was observed in 212/244 (87%) CYAs, while the remaining 32/244 (13%) exhibited poor adherence.Conclusion: CYAs knew about the importance of oral hygiene and cleaned their teeth frequently. However, translation of their knowledge into practice showed deficiencies. Repeated encouragement to put oral health knowledge into practice is important.