Brushing Behavior Research Articles

Relationship Support Behavioral Health with Brushing of Teeth Pupils Elementary School in Lebak Bulus Area, South Jakarta

Dental health is inextricably linked to overall wellness. One of the primary determinants of oral and dental health in poor nations is the behavioral component of dental hygiene, specifically brushing practice. The purpose of this study is to ascertain teeth brushing behavior and the factors that influence it in sixth-grade elementary school children in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a total sample size of 190 students. The data were gathered using an interview and a questionnaire. The findings indicated that up to 82.6 percent of sixth-grade kids engaged in inappropriate brushing behavior. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between students' knowledge of the time and frequency of toothbrushing and their brushing behavior (p-value = 0.046). It is proposed that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia adopt policies to support the development of dental health programs in school dental health services, particularly in the cognitive domain, attitudes, and behaviors of students who are concerned about their oral health.

Exploring the discharge characteristics of personal care behaviors for high precision estimation of microplastic emission

Microplastics (MPs) from personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) pose a threat to aquatic environment due to the small size and the complexity of composition. Although the habits of personal care behaviors (PCBs) vary from individuals affecting MPs emissions, quantitative research is not sufficient to support high-precision emission estimates and targeted management decisions. Based on a questionnaire survey about PCBs and laboratory experiments on corresponding PCCPs utilization, this study proposed a bottom-up micro-simulation method to quantify MPs emissions combining multinomial logit model and categorized emission coefficients, and identified the impact of individual attributes on the emissions. The results show that the annual PCBs-derived MPs emissions amounted to 2931.8 trillion particles in China, of which teeth brushing, face washing, and bathing behavior accounted for 29%, 36% and 35%, respectively. The residents discharged an average of 2.18 million particles per capita per year with 95% confidence interval of 0.58–4.34 million particles. Gender, age and living region had greater impacts on PCBs-derived MPs emissions. The effect of living region was significantly related to local temperature and humidity. The estimation based on the MPs discharge characteristics of PCBs provides high-precision method regarding the MPs emission from people's daily life and contributes to further understanding the source of MPs and initiating environmental control strategies.

Electroresponsive Weak Polyelectrolyte Brushes

We explored the effect of an applied electric field on the molecular conformation of two weak polyelectrolytes grafted on gold electrodes─poly(acrylic acid) and the weak polybase poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)─by combining a quartz crystal microbalance with an electrochemical setup. Our results indicate that different mechanisms influence the response of weak polyelectrolytes to an externally applied potential difference, including electrochemical modification of the local pH by oxygen reduction and the electrostatic interaction between the metallic electrode and the charged monomers and ions in solution. Our results evidence that fine control of polymer conformation can be readily obtained at low applied potentials, opening pathways for precise, localized control of surface properties. However, these applications require considering the history-dependent behavior of polyelectrolyte brushes, hysteresis in the response, and the influence of electrochemical reactions driven by potential changes.

The effectiveness of the application of the mentoring module on brushing teeth by parents on the behavior of brushing teeth in early childhood

Background: Ability and good habits in maintaining dental health must be trained from an early age. In early childhood, there are deciduous teeth that must be maintained and maintained in order to stay healthy and support children to grow and develop optimally. At the age of 6 years will begin to grow permanent teeth that will be used for life. Therefore, children need to be equipped with knowledge and skills in maintaining oral health independently. Parents, especially mothers, are the closest people to children who will provide assistance and guidance to early childhood children in carrying out dental health maintenance, in connection with children who are not yet able to do it themselves. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the application of the brushing mentoring module on improving tooth brushing behavior in early childhood. Methods: this study used a quasi-experimental with a pretest and posttest with one group design. This research was conducted at Pertiwi VI Kindergarten Pondok Labu. The independent variable: the application of the brushing mentoring module and the dependent variable: knowledge, early childhood tooth brushing skills, knowledge and attitudes of parents. Data were tested using Wilcoxon. Result: the application of the mentoring module on brushing teeth was proven to be significantly (p<0.001) effective in increasing the knowledge and skills of brushing teeth for early childhood as well as increasing the knowledge and attitudes of parents. Conclusion: the brushing teeth mentoring module is effective in increasing tooth brushing behavior in early childhood.
 Keywords: Brushing mentoring module, behavior, early childhood.

Parents' Oral and Dental Health Behavior as Predictors of Children's Oral and Dental Health Status

Parents are considered to have the knowledge to teach their children basic things about maintaining a healthy body. The cultivation of oral health behavior should start at an early age and start from the family environment. Childhood is the beginning of behavior formation, therefore parents are expected to be able to educate their children to behave properly to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. The purpose of this study was to determine the oral health behavior of parents to determine the oral health status of children in the pedodontics department of the Baiturrahmah University Dental Hospital. This research type is quantitative with analytic survey method with cross sectional research design. The population was pediatric patients who took care at the Paedodonti Department of the Baiturrahmah Hospital in July 2020. The results showed that the educational status, tooth brushing behavior, eating sweet eating behavior, the habit of bringing children to the dentist and complaints in the oral cavity of the parents gave a picture. predictions for their children about oral health. Parents' behavior will have an effect on their children because indirectly the habits of parents will be imitated and made an example for their children

A Global, In-Market Evaluation of Toothbrushing Behaviour and Self-assessed Gingival Bleeding with Use of App Data from an Interactive Electric Toothbrush.

To determine if an interactive electric toothbrush and smartphone application (app) can reduce self-reported gingival bleeding and promote better brushing behaviour based on global, in-market usage data. Anonymised data were collected worldwide between July 2020 and January 2021 from users of interactive oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes and app (Oral-B Genius, GeniusX and iO). Self-reported gingival bleeding and brushing behaviour data captured via the app were sent to Google Firebase and Google BigQuery to aid processing and analysis. Data from 16.7 million brushing sessions were analysed. 439,481 new users responded at least once to the app question: 'Do you have gum bleeding?' Of users answering the question over their first two weeks of app use (153,201), the proportion reporting bleeding decreased statistically significantly from week 1 to 2 (28.8% to 17.1%, p < 0.0001). Of users answering the question over each of the first five weeks (43,060) a further statistically significant decrease in those reporting bleeding was seen in each consecutive week, with the week-5 rate being 12.7% (p < 0.0001 vs any previous week). Decreases in duration of excessive pressure (i.e. > 2.5 N - 3.0 N depending on the handle) decreased the proportion of self-reported gingival bleeding (p < 0.0001). Users brushed longer and with less overpressure (p < 0.0001) with vs without live feedback from the app, and showed 94.4% average coverage with live feedback. The interactive oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes and app, particularly with live feedback, promote good brushing behaviour. Self-reported gingival bleeding occurred less frequently the longer the system was used.

What characterizes effective tooth brushing of daily users of powered versus manual toothbrushes?

BackgroundRecent data show comparable deficits in oral cleanliness after tooth brushing in habitual users of powered toothbrushes (PT) and manual toothbrushes (MT). The present analysis explores the origin of these deficits by relating aspects of the observed tooth brushing behaviour to plaque after tooth brushing.MethodsUsers of rotating-oscillating PT (N = 48) and of MT (N = 52) brushed their teeth the best they could while being filmed. Video analyses assessed brushing time, number of sextants brushed sufficiently long (7.5 s per surface; NSBSL), brushing of outer surfaces with closed jaws, and brushing movements. Correlation analyses examined the relationship between these parameters and plaque after brushing (Marginal Plaque Index (MPI); Turesky modification of Quigley Hein Index (TQHI)) and gingivitis (Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI)).ResultsIn PT users, correlations between behaviour and MPI-scores were significant for the NSBSL (outer surfaces: rho = − 0.249; inner surfaces: rho = − 0.510) and brushing duration (outer surfaces: rho = − 0.399; inner surfaces: rho = − 0.509). In MT users, vertical movements on the outer surfaces were positively related to MPI (rho = 0.299). In contrast, circular movements correlated negatively with MPI in those who brushed all outer sextants sufficiently long (n = 47: rho = − 0.294). In both groups, PBI-scores on the inner surfaces were negatively correlated to NSBSL and brushing duration (rho = − 0.327 − rho = − 0.246).ConclusionNSBSL and brushing duration appear to play an important role for brushing effectiveness and gingival health in PT and MT users. Whether PT users apply brushing movements or not apparently does not affect the result. In MT users, circular movements seem to be more efficient than vertical movements on the outer surfaces.

An overview of the behavior of maintaining dental and oral health for occupational therapy student at the poltekkes surakarta during the covid-19 pandemic

Dental and oral health can affect the health of a person's body because through this organ various germs can enter. Therefore, the discipline of maintaining dental and oral health is essential for the well-being of the individual. Thorough cleaning of the mouth is a major component in the maintenance of dental and oral health. With mechanical and chemical assistance, you can clean your teeth and mouth such as brushing your teeth after breakfast and before bed, eating foods and drinks that are good for your teeth and using tools such as mouthwash and dental floss. The purpose of this study is to know the description of dental and oral health maintenance behavior of students occupational therapy poltekkes ministry of Surakarta during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is a descriptive research conducted in January-June 2021. The number of samples of 38 people using purposive sampling technique. Analysis using frequency distribution. Result: The results of the analysis on the sample of students occupational therapy Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta showed that 92.1% of respondents have dental and oral health maintenance behaviors with good criteria, 94.7% have good brushing behavior, 77.7% have good behavior in consuming food and beverages that are good for dental health and 65.8% have bad behavior in the use of tools to help. Conclusion: The majority of respondents have dental bad oral health maintenance behavior with good criteria.

Poor tooth brushing behavior is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events: A prospective observational study

BackgroundsPoor oral care is associated with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of tooth brushing behavior on the incidences of future cardiovascular events in a general population including patients with cardiovascular disease. MethodsThis was a prospective observational study which included 692 participants (437 men and 255 women, mean age, 63 ± 16 years). The participants were divided into three groups according to the frequency and duration of tooth brushing: low frequency and short duration group (<twice/day and <2 min/procedure), low frequency or short duration group (<twice/day or <2 min/procedure), and non-low frequency and non-short duration group (≥twice/day and ≥2 min/procedure). We assessed the associations of tooth brushing behavior with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including death from cardiovascular causes, acute myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke. ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 28.5 (15.4–35.1) months, 32 events occurred (10 deaths from cardiovascular causes, one acute myocardial infarction, 13 hospitalizations for heart failure, and eight strokes). Kaplan-Meier curves for MACEs among the groups were significantly different (P = 0.001). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the combination of low frequency and short duration of tooth brushing was significantly associated with high incidences of MACEs compared with the incidences of MACEs for the combination of non-low frequency and non-short duration of tooth brushing (hazard ratio, 3.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–7.63; P = 0.02). ConclusionsThe combination of decreased frequency and duration of tooth brushing is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.Clinical Trial Registration Information: URL for Clinical Trial: http://UMIN; Registration Number for Clinical Trial: UMIN000003409.

HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND DENTAL CARRIES IN COASTAL COMMUNITY: LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACTBackground: The important role of coastal communities is not directly in line with their living conditions, which are mostly poor. Dental caries is basically a disease that is also suffered by the general public in Indonesia, even in the world. RISKESDAS 2018 shows the prevalence of caries in Indonesia is 88.8%. Dental caries is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. People who live in coastal areas are at risk of suffering from dental caries. Brushing behavior also has a relationship with the incidence of dental caries. Method: All articles reviewed were obtained from Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar with a period of 10 years in full text. using the keywords behavior, caries, and coastal area.Result: Based on reviews from several journals, it was found that the brushing behavior of coastal communities was good, but the frequency of brushing teeth was not appropriate and the behavior of using drinking water had no known fluoride content. There are variations in the category of dental caries at the age level of people in coastal areas.Conclusion: Knowledge and healthy behavior can reduce the risk of dental caries related to the behavior of coastal communities, so that life productivity can be much better than ever.

Relationship between Dental Caries Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Elementary School Children

The prevalence of dental caries among children in Indonesia is still high. Riskesdas data in 2018 shows that children aged 8-12 years are vulnerable to dental caries problems. Dental caries have an impact on children's quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between risk factors for dental caries and children's quality of life and the magnitude of the influence of each risk factor. This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional design. The population is elementary school children in the area of Banyuraden, Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The time of the study was from March 2021 to August 2021. The sampling technique was carried out by purposive sampling; the number of samples was 200 children. The influence variable is the risk factor for dental caries, and the affected variable is the child's quality of life. The research instrument is a questionnaire consisting of 30 statement items. Assessment of dental caries risk factors includes knowledge of caries, tooth brushing behavior, and cariogenic food eating habits. In contrast, assessing children's quality of life is seen from oral cavity complaints, functional complaints, psychological complaints, and limitations of social interaction. Data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate, and chi-square tests. The results showed more children with low quality of life (67.0%) than children with high quality of life (33.0%). The chi-square correlation test results showed a significant relationship between knowledge about dental caries and children's quality of life (p=0.002; OR=2.77), between tooth brushing behavior and children's quality of life (p=0.012; OR=2.14). as well as between the habit of eating cariogenic foods with the quality of life of children (p=0.020; OR=2.03). This study concludes a significant relationship between knowledge, behavior, and eating habits with children's quality of life.

End-exclusion zones in strongly stretched, molten polymer brushes of arbitrary shape.

Theories of strongly stretched polymer brushes, particularly the parabolic brush theory, are valuable for providing analytically tractable predictions for the thermodynamic behavior of surface-grafted polymers in a wide range of settings. However, the parabolic brush limit fails to describe polymers grafted to convex curved substrates, such as the surfaces of spherical nanoparticles or the interfaces of strongly segregated block copolymers. It has previously been shown that strongly stretched curved brushes require a boundary layer devoid of free chain ends, requiring modifications of the theoretical analysis. While this "end-exclusion zone" has been successfully incorporated into the descriptions of brushes grafted onto the outer surfaces of cylinders and spheres, the behavior of brushes on surfaces of arbitrary curvature has not yet been studied. We present a formulation of the strong-stretching theory for molten brushes on the surfaces of arbitrary curvature and identify four distinct regimes of interest for which brushes are predicted to possess end-exclusion zones, notably including regimes of positive mean curvature but negative Gaussian curvature. Through numerical solutions of the strong-stretching brush equations, we report predicted scaling of the size of the end-exclusion zone, the chain end distribution, the chain polarization, and the free energy of stretching with mean and Gaussian surface curvatures. Through these results, we present a comprehensive picture of how the brush geometry influences the end-exclusion zones and exact strong-stretching free energies, which can be applied, for example, to model the full spectrum of brush geometries encountered in block copolymer melt assembly.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention for oral and dental health among primary school students of Rafsanjan city: a mixed method study

BackgroundOral and dental health has a significant impact on public health as well as the quality of life among individuals and families. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for oral and dental health among primary school students in Rafsanjan city, Southern Iran.MethodsAccording to the nature of the model and with the focus group discussion and interview methods, in phases 1 to 4 (PRECEDE), predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors related to oral health were identified. The training program was designed and consisted of six sessions for students (250 students) with a brushing session, three sessions for parents, and two sessions for teachers. Process evaluation and the effect of the program on behavioral and factors affecting oral health were evaluated (PROCEED).ResultsIn the qualitative section, seven predisposing factors, five enabling factors, and two reinforcing factors were identified. A training program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was found to be effective in increasing the mean scores of the above constructs and the students’ brushing behavior (P < 0.001).ConclusionBased on the model planning phases, the factors affecting the brushing behavior of children aged 6–12 years were identified. The educational program has had a significant effect on improving the scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors and children’s brushing behavior.

DIFFERENCES IN PLAQUE INDEX AND NUMBER OF BACTERIAL COLONIES OF ORAL CAVITY BEFORE AND AFTER BEING EDUCATED WITH MODEL STUDY AND VIDEO

Background: Based on the results of Riskesdas in 2018, the 10-14 years old group had a prevalence of daily brushing behavior of 96.5%. However, only 2,1% brush their teeth correctly. The ability of brushing teeth can be improved by providing an oral health education.Aim: Was determined the differences of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity before and after being educated using study model and video.Methods: This study was a true-experimental research with pre-test and post-test study design with a subject of 20 students. The students devided into 2 groups, 10 students with study model and 10 students with video. The results of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies were taken before and after the students being educated. This study use the Paired T Test and Wilxocon statistical tests.Results: There were significant differences of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity before and after being educated using study model and video. (p &lt; 0,05).Conclusion: An oral health education using study model and video were able to decrease plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity. The video method was more effective than the study model.

Toothbrushing and related factors among high school students in the Southeast of Iran: A cross-sectional study.

Dental caries is one of the most common problems in student, and tooth brushing at least twice a day is one of the preventive measures of dental caries. This study aimed to determine the frequency of daily brushing and its related factors among high school students in the southeast of Iran based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). In this cross-sectional study, 2045high school students of 13-15years from urban areas of Zahedan in the southeast of Iran with multistage random sampling were selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess demographic background, psychosocial constructs of the HAPA and daily brushing frequency. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of daily brushing. Only 18% of participants reported tooth brushing at least twice a day, which is the desired brushing behaviour. Multivariate regression showed that increased odds of daily brushing associated with gender (OR=2.38, 95% CI 1.84-3.08), mother education (OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.62-3.18), father job (OR=2.24, 95% CI 1.20-4.19), task self-efficacy (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.08-1.42), action planning (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19) and maintenance self-efficacy (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.13- 1.27). The brushing behaviour of students needs to be taken seriously in Zahedan. Motivational and volitional constructs of the HAPA include task self-efficacy, action planning, and maintenance self-efficacy could be considered in intervention programmes targeting increase adolescent brushing.

Oral health and caries/gingivitis-associated factors of adolescents aged 12\u201315 in Shandong province, China: a cross-sectional Oral Health Survey

BackgroundWe aimed to analyse the oral health status of adolescents in Shandong province, including dental caries and gingivitis, and their associated factors.MethodsAdolescents aged 12–15-years in Shandong province were recruited. Caries and gingival status were assessed following the World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria. Information including the sociodemographic, oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices were collected through the questionnaire. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the oral diseases associated factors.ResultsIn total, 3868 students (50.2% males) were enrolled. Of these, 39.9% of the participants experienced caries, and 81.7% and 31.3% had calculus and bleeding gingival, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that there was an association between dental caries and toothaches, dental visits and sleeping troubles caused by oral problems (P < 0.024). A low-frequency of brushing, high sugar consumption and no flossing were more associated with calculus formation and gingival bleeding (P < 0.008).ConclusionCompared to caries, worse gingival condition was more prevalent among adolescents in Shandong province. Brushing behaviour is associated with gingivitis, while dental visits and toothaches are associated with caries. Hence, prevention-oriented dental visits and oral hygiene training are strongly recommended to improve oral health status.

Oral Health Problem in Indonesia: An Ecological Analysis

Oral health problem needs special attention around worldwide, including in Indonesia. This study analyzedfactors related to oral health problems, including tooth-brushing behavior, dental visit, and public healthcenters with many dentistsin all provinces in Indonesia. In this study, the ecological approach was carriedoutusing secondary data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018.Data from 34provinces in Indonesia regarding tooth brushing behavior, dental visit, and public health centers with asufficient number of dentistswere analyzed against the proportion of oral health problems using crosstabulation.This study found that the ratio of oral health problems in Indonesia is in the moderate categoryandtooth brushing behavior, dental visit, and public health centers with many dentistsin all provinces. Thus,oral health promotion and preventionthrough increasing awareness of maintaining oral health and equaldistribution of dentists must be carried out to establish healthy community behavior in all provinces inIndonesia.

Pre-schoolers\u2019 tooth brushing behaviour and association with their oral health: a cross sectional study

BackgroundToothbrushing is an important yet neglected behaviour that affects the oral health of preschool children. Little is reported on parental supervision, an essential aspect of routine effective toothbrushing in this age group. The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-schoolers’ toothbrushing behaviour including parental involvement and its association with their oral health.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. A total of 92 preschool children (4–6 years) were invited to participate with their parents/guardians. Nine parameters of toothbrushing behaviour were assessed from parental responses (questionnaire) and observation of child and parents/guardians (video recording). Oral examination included recording plaque, gingival and dental caries indices. BORIS software was used to assess toothbrushing parameters and Smart PLS was used to perform association with a second-generation multivariate analysis to create models with and without confounding factors.ResultsGirls were slightly more (53%) than boys (47%). Children aged 4 years were slightly more in number (38%), followed by 6-year-olds and 5-year-olds. Nearly, 90% parents had tertiary education and 46% had more than 2 children. Differences were recorded in the reported and observed behaviour. Thirty-five percent parents/guardians reported using pea-size toothpaste amount but only 28% were observed. Forty percent reported to brush for 30 s–1 min, however 51% were observed to brush for 1–2 min. Half the children were observed to use fluoridated toothpaste (F < 1000 ppm) under parental supervision (11%). The mean (SD) plaque score reduction after toothbrushing was 10.80 (2.46), mean pre-brushing plaque score was 90.3 (10.2), mean gingival index was 0.89 (0.65) and mean dental caries status (ICDAS(1–6)) was 18.87 (12.39). Toothbrushing behaviour in terms of toothbrushing technique, duration, pattern and frequency, toothbrush type and grip type, toothpaste type and amount, post-brushing mouth rinsing and parental involvement contributed significantly to plaque score change (86%), dental caries status (73%), gingival index (66%) and pre-brushing plaque score (31%). The significant confounding variables had a small influence on oral health of preschool children.ConclusionsPreschool children’s toothbrushing behaviour was inadequate while their oral health was poor, with a significant association between the two parameters.

DENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG SANTRI AT ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS IN MEDAN, NORTH SUMATERA

Dental health remains a public health problem with increased the prevalence of dental problems from 2007 to 2013. The problem is highest in the early adolescent age group. A dental problem occurs due to lack of behavior on the routine toothbrush (2.8%). The purpose of this study was to describe dental problems in Islamic boarding schools in Medan. This study used a cross sectional design in seven Islamic boarding schools in Medan with a total sample of 436 students in the 5.319 total population. System random sampling was applied in this study and the questionnaire was distributed to sample. The data analysis used was descriptive frequency. The results showed that the behavior of brushing teeth based on age group was highest in the early adolescent group in the category of brushing teeth in the morning (78%) and afternoon (92%). Based on gender, both men and women showed the highest tooth brushing behavior in the morning (37.8%; 40.4%) and afternoon (45.9%; 46.6%). Dental health problems by age group were included in the category of healthy teeth (49.1%). Based on gender also showed dental problems for both men and women (25.9%; 24.1%) in the category of healthy teeth. Dental health among female students is still found to have dental health problems caused by the behavior of brushing teeth that is not in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, namely after breakfast and before going to bed at night.

Children Tooth Brushing Behavior and Oral Microbiota: A Pilot Study

By age 17, almost 80% of US children have dental caries resulting from cariogenic bacteria that could be reduced with tooth brushing. This cross-sectional, correlational pilot study aims to understand the association between tooth brushing and oral microbiota in children. Oral specimens and survey data were collected from a convenience sample of 16 children, aged 7–12, and attending a community dental clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sample characteristics and tooth brushing behavior. Biospecimens were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Beta diversity measures were compared across tooth brushing groups using Permutational Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) and Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) tests in R. The frequency of tooth brushing in this sample was once a day (brush1; 43.8%), twice a day (brush2; 43.8%), or more than twice a day (12.6%). Major phyla found in the subjects’ upper and lower teeth were the following: Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly lower in brush2 as compared to brush1 (p = 0.001), whereas the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly higher (p = 0.025). The association between tooth brushing frequency and microbiome beta diversity was significant (p = 0.005 by PERMANOVA and p = 0.002 by ANOSIM). This study demonstrates that tooth brushing frequency could affect the proportional composition of the oral microflora. Additional research on the implication of these changes is warranted.