Principal motives for tooth brushing among children: implications for oral health promotion -An in vivo study

K.n Srinivasan ,S Chitra

doi:10.17511/ijpr.2016.i01.10

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess improvement in motivation for tooth-brushing, the timing of tooth-brushing and the understanding of oral hygiene in children using Tooth Brushing Technique Song as an oral health promotion tool. Methods: 5-8 year-old children from a tutorial were selected and divided in two groups. Group A was given Tooth Brushing Technique Song and Group B acted as a control. On day one, instructions were given to both groups regarding tooth-brushing, importance of oral hygiene. Two groups of children were assessed after15 days. Results were analyzed and presented using tables, bar charts and pie charts. Results: Of the 50 children, who remained available for the analysis, 25 children were in group A and 25 were in group B. In group A, approximately 76 % children showed liking towards the song, 68 % could memorize and reproduce the song. Approximately 76% children were motivated to brush after listening to the tooth song. 80% of children always brushed twice daily in group A as compared to 76% in group B. Conclusion: The happy tooth song had a positive impact on motivation for, the frequency and time of tooth brushing and understanding the importance of healthy food habits and dental visits in children.

Highlights

Toothbrushes have been the gold standard for cleaning plaque from teeth for generations
The development of toothbrushes and dentifrices accelerated in the latter half of the 20th century, in the search for products ideally suited to their purpose Oral health is a part of the general health and influences it directly and indirectly
Maintenance of good oral hygiene is an important factor in the general health [1]

Summary

Introduction

Toothbrushes have been the gold standard for cleaning plaque from teeth for generations. Since Prehistoric times, men have devised a variety of methods to clean and whiten teeth. Some of the earliest devices used as “toothbrushes” were similar to some wood stick devices currently in use. The development of toothbrushes and dentifrices accelerated in the latter half of the 20th century, in the search for products ideally suited to their purpose Oral health is a part of the general health and influences it directly and indirectly. Maintenance of good oral hygiene is an important factor in the general health [1]. Toothbrushes are commonly used for cleaning the oral cavity and preventing dental diseases. Toothbrush care methods are often ignored [2]

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Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion