Childhood Caries Research Articles

Peningkatan Pola Hidup Sehat melalui Pelatihan Teknik Menyikat Gigi pada Anak Usia Dini

One of the dental and oral problems that often occurs is caries. Young children are at higher risk because their ability to maintain oral hygiene is still not optimal. Caries in children causes various impacts, including obstruct children's development, thereby reducing children's intelligence levels, which in the long term will have an impact on people's quality of life. Efforts to improve dental and oral health must begin as early as possible. One effort to improve dental and oral health is to instill in children the habit of maintaining healthy teeth through counseling and training. The counseling and toothbrushing training provided in this service activity is carried out to young children supported by parents and teachers. It is hoped that this outreach activity and toothbrushing training will provide an opportunity to teach children the importance of oral health and how to care for them properly. Counseling and training were carried out to students, teachers and parents at PAUDIT Nurul Fikri Banjarmasin using a participatory approach consisting of 3 stages, namely planning, implementation and evaluation. Counseling was carried out through animated videos, banners and dental puppets. Tooth brushing training was carried out with students brushing their teeth accompanied by parents and teachers. Based on the evaluation results, it was found that all parents were able to help their children brush their teeth better, and based on the results of interviews regarding the habit of brushing their teeth at home, all parents admitted that they always accompanied their children in brushing their teeth morning and night. It is hoped that this activity will become the basis for the establishment of the Little Dentist Program.

Association of parental social support and dental caries in hispanic children.

This study describes social support of Hispanic parents and the correlation with dental caries in their children. A cross-sectional study design was utilized to assess the 157 parent-child triads recruited from the Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Clinic. The Basic Research Factors Questionnaire (BRFQ) survey was utilized to assess parents' oral health knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and other psychosocial measures with social support as the main predictor variable. Bivariate associations between the independent variables and dmfs were conducted. Independent variables with a bivariate association of p ≤ 0.2 for the outcome variable were included in the multivariable linear regression model. Dental caries in children was significantly associated with less overall parental social support (β = -10.10, p = 0.03). Overall social support was divided into four sub-categories: errand help, money help, childcare help, and transportation help. Dental caries decreased by 7.70 units for every 1-unit increase in transportation help (β = -7.70, p = 0.03). A significant association was observed between parental knowledge on dental utilization and dmfs (β = -2.70, p = 0.04). In the multivariable linear regression model, caries was significantly associated with social support (β = -11.18, p = 0.02) and knowledge on dental utilization (β = -3.84, p = 0.01). The study concludes that a higher level of social support and knowledge on dental utilization for Hispanic parents is correlated with lower rates of dental caries in their children.

Protection Factors and Risk Factors of Caries in Children Aged 10-13 Years in Ujung Tanah Sub-District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi

Background: Caries is one of the oral diseases that is often experienced by children around the world by 60%-90%, especially in low socioeconomic groups. The causes of caries are multifactorial, including socioeconomic level, age, gender, diet and oral hygiene. Sucrose or sugar commonly consumed is an important factor causing caries. Elementary school children are an age group that is very vulnerable to caries because they have poor behavior in maintaining oral and dental health. Aim: Knowing the protection factors and risk of caries in children aged 10-13 years. Method: The study was conducted in September 2022 - March 2023 on elementary school students aged 10-13 years in 3 (three) elementary schools in Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Provision. The number of samples at SD Hang Tuah was 64 people, SDN Ujung Tanah 54 people, and SDN Cambaya 49 people with a total sample of 167 people with quantitative research methods using questionnaires. Results: The average value of protection factor against caries in SD Hang Tuah was 66.8%, SDN Ujung Tanah 72.5%, and SDN Cambaya 64.2%. The protection factor against caries in the three schools still needs to be improved. The average value of risk factors for caries in SD Hang Tuah was 33%, SDN Ujung Tanah 29.3%, and SDN Cambaya 32.7%. Risk factors for caries in the three schools still need to be reduced. Conclusion: The protection factor still needs to be improved while the risk factor still needs to be lowered by the three elementary schools. In addition, this study also found caries rates in the three schools in the very high category with a caries index of >6.6.

Intervención interdisciplinaria para la prevención primaria de la caries en lactantes de 0 a 18 meses

Introduction: caries is the most common chronic disease in childhood. The presence of caries in the primary dentition is the main risk factor for developing caries in the permanent dentition. Most of the risk factors for caries are modifiable and can become elements for the prevention and control of the disease. With the aim to reduce the incidence of caries in children at the age of 18 months, an interdisciplinary primary prevention intervention is designed for families with children following the pediatric health program “Protocol d’activitats preventives i de promoció de la salut a l’edat pediàtrica” (PAPPS). Methodology: non-randomized clinical trial, carried out in two primary care centers in Catalonia from January 2019 to June 2022. In one of the centers, an educational intervention for primary prevention of caries was designed and implemented with advice and skills to the families. In the other center, the usual protocol of recommendations was maintained. The incidence of caries was evaluated and compared in both groups at the age of 18 months with a logistic regression model estimated with the R program. Results: the incidence of caries at 18 months was higher in children in the control group (OR=6.0; 95% CI 1.8-20.2), despite the fact that the caries risk assessment based on the called “Caries Management by Risk Assessment” (CAMBRA) indicated a higher risk of caries in infants in the intervention group. Conclusion: the interdisciplinary primary caries prevention intervention incorporated into child health programs reduces the incidence of caries in the first years of life.

Association between Severe Early Childhood Caries, Dietary Preferences, and 2nd Digit-4th Digit (2D:4D) Ratio.

To evaluate the association between severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), dietary preferences, and 2nd digit-4th digit (2D:4D) ratio. The objective is to contrast the detection and prevalence of dental caries in children with different sensitivity levels to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and its association with 2D:4D. A total of 300 children below 71 months of age were assigned to two study groups-group I (caries-free) and group II (caries). PROP sensitivity test was carried out to determine the inherent genetic ability to taste a bitter or sweet substance. Evaluation of dietary preferences was carried out using a food preference questionnaire, which was completed by the parents of the children to know the child's dietary habits and their sweet, sour, and strong taste preferences. The length of the index (2D) and ring (4D) finger was measured with the help of digital vernier caliper to record the 2D:4D ratio. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson's Chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results suggested a positive association between S-ECC and dietary preferences but could not establish a straightforward 1:1 relation between 2D:4D ratio and S-ECC. An individual considered as nontaster by PROP test was a sweet liker with low 2D:4D ratio having high caries index. The association between 2D:4D ratio and S-ECC should further be explored by taking other influencing factors into consideration before arriving at a definitive conclusion. Srivastava SK, Garg N, Pathivada L, et al. Association between Severe Early Childhood Caries, Dietary Preferences, and 2nd Digit-4th Digit (2D:4D) Ratio. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):740-744.

Remineralizing gel with calcium lactate for the prevention of caries in children

The article presents the results of a single-center open clinical trial of the use of the remineralizing gel «PRESIDENT Minerals gel 0+». The effectiveness of the drug in children in the period of mixed dentition with a compensated form of caries was studied.Materials and methods. The study involved 19 children, mean age 8,3 years. The duration of the study is 1 month.Clinical indices and laboratory parameters were determined: DMF+df, OHI-S, PMA, the degree of enamel electrometry, calcium, glucose, total protein and antioxidant activity of saliva (AOA). Organoleptic properties were determined on a 5-point scale.Results. After one month of using the remineralizing gel, a decrease in the hygiene index by 23,27%, a decrease in the electrometric evaluation of enamel by 15,58% were revealed. In saliva, a decrease in the level of protein by 33,13% and an increase in the content of calcium by 53,33% were revealed. The organoleptic properties of the gel were evaluated on a five-point scale at 4,31±0,22 points.Conclusion. «PRESIDENT 0+ Minerals gel» with calcium lactate and hydroxyapatite has a remineralizing effect, good organoleptic properties and can be recommended for caries prevention in children.

Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels before and after Treating Caries in Children: A Comparative Study

Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels before and after Treating Caries in Children: A Comparative Study

Current data on caries in preschool children

Current data on caries in preschool children

HUBUNGAN KEJADIAN KARIES GIGI DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP ANAK

Dental caries in children can interfere with the chewing process and result in reduced nutritional intake, resulting in suboptimal growth and development. The emersion of teeth caries impair the digest process and as the result it decreased dietary admission therefore it effect the childrens gowth and developmental. This study aimed to analyze the connection between dental caries and the quality of childrens life. This study was a cross sectional, the subject was 81 elementary students at SDIT Al Fatwa Bandung using simple random sampling method. Tests were accepted involving arbitrary inspecting technique upwards of 81 understudies. The results showed caries status in children obtained an average def-t value of 4.9, average DMF-T value obtained as much as 2.43, the average pufa value obtained as much as 4, and the average PUFA value obtained as much as 2. A total of 59 students have a moderate quality of life. Test analysis using the chi-square test showed a significant relationship between dental caries status and children's quality of life (p <0.05). It is hoped that special attention will be paid to children's dental health problems by visiting dental health services at least once every 6 months.

Correlates of childhood caries: A study in Qatar.

The prevalance of dental caries in children in Qatar is high, which necessitates preventive efforts. To identify the sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of dental caries in the primary dentition of children 4- to 8-year-olds in Qatar. Weighted data from the Qatar Child Oral Health Survey 2017 were analysed for caries prevalence (dmft>0) and experience (dmft). Sociodemographic and behavioural variables were also drawn from the survey. Among the 1154 children, caries prevalence was 69.3% (95%CI [63.4, 74.5]) and experience at 3.8 dmft (95%CI [3.3, 4.2]). The prevalence ratio (PR) 0.82 (0.72, 0.94) was lower among younger than in older children; those for non-Qatari nationality Arabic PR 0.91 (0.82, 1.00) and Other PR 0.75 (0.57, 0.99) than for Qatari nationality; those attending international kindergartens/schools PR 0.89 (0.80, 0.99) than independent schools; and whose parents had university-level education PR 0.85 (0.75,0.95) than did not. Caries prevalence was lower among those toothbrushing by age 3 years PR 0.88 (0.80,0.99) than later; children with low/intermediate sugar exposures PR 0.85 (0.74,0.97) and 0.89 (0.79,1.00) than those with high exposures; children with a dental check-up PR 0.68 (0.53,0.87) than those without; and children who drank bottled water with some fluoride PR 0.89 (0.80,0.99) than those who did not. Findings were similar for dmft. In conclusion caries prevalence varied but was high across sociodemographic correlates indicating vulnerablity. Interventions focusing on behaviours - such as toothbrushing, reducing sugar intake, check-up and encouraging intake of water with fluoride - are needed.

Edukasi Kesehatan GEROGI (Gerakan Gosok Gigi) Sebagai Upaya Pencegaan Stunting di TK/PAUD Desa Pematang Gadung pada Tahun 2023

Maintaining oral and dental health is one of the good habits that must be taught from childhood, namely by brushing your teeth. Brushing teeth means cleaning all food debris from the surface. The consequences of not maintaining healthy teeth and mouth include cavities, gingivitis, gum infections, canker sores, broken teeth, and can trigger dental caries in children. Health problems will indirectly affect the level of progress of a region, so with the Field Learning Practice (PBL) program of the Jambi University Public Health Science Study Program, students directly take on the role of public health workers in promotive and preventive efforts to prevent stunting through movement health education. brush your teeth. The aim of carrying out this activity is expected to increase children's basic knowledge and skills about brushing their teeth properly and correctly. This activity was carried out through preliminary observation studies and direct interviews with the Principal, homeroom teacher as well as parent representatives at PAUD/TK. This activity will be held on 13 September 2023 at PAUD/TK Mawar and 25 September 2023 at PAUD/TK Anggrek. From this activity it can be concluded that there is a positive contribution in improving the level of public health in Pematang Gadung Village, Mersam District, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province.

Hubungan Pengetahuan dengan Sikap Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Gigi pada Siswa SMP Negeri di Kecamatan Medan Denai

Knowledge, attitude and behavior are the main factors that affect dental and oral health. Behaviors that arise due to lack of knowledge of children about the importance of maintaining oral health, causing a high prevalence of dental caries in school-age children. This aim of the study was to know the level of knowledge and attitudes of dental and oral health maintenance based on age and gender, and to analyze the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of oral health maintanance. This research is descriptive correlative with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique is the proportional stratified random sampling. The measuring instrument of this research is a questionnaire. The results of the study on the level of knowledge and attitudes based on age and gender were mostly in good category with data analysis there was a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and age (p=0,048), there was no significant relationship between the level of knowledge and gender (p=0,952), there was There was a significant relationship between the level of attitude and age (p=0,000), there was a significant relationship between the level of attitude and gender (p=0,039), and there was no significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes of maintaining oral health (p = 0,066). The conclusion is the need for counseling so that the knowledge and attitude of maintaining oral health is in line with behavior in maintaining dental and oral health.

Maternal depression in first 1000days of life and early childhood caries prevalence at 48months of age.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal's depression trajectory in the first 1000days of the child's life on the prevalence of early childhood dental caries (ECC), in a birth cohort. All infants born in Pelotas in 2015 were identified, and the mothers were invited to participate in the cohort. A total of 3645 children were included in the study. The outcome was ECC at 48months of age assessed according to ICDAS. Maternal depression was collected using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) antenatally, at 3, 12, and 24months of age. Maternal depressive symptom trajectory variables were created using group-based trajectory models and adopting two cutoff points. Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to identify the total effect of maternal depressive symptom trajectories on ECC, adjusting by confounders. A total of 29.2% of the mothers presented a high trajectory for screening of depression, and 18.8% presented a high trajectory of depression diagnosis. The prevalence of ECC was 26.7%. After adjusted analysis, maternal depression trajectories (screening and diagnosis) from pregnancy to 24months increased the risk for ECC at 48months of age (RR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28 and RR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.05-1.35). Children from mothers with high depression trajectory had higher risk of having dental caries at 48months compared to children from mothers with low depression trajectory. Strategies of early detection and treatment of maternal mental disorders during the Golden Period should be considered of high priority in health services since it could impact positively in children's life.

Prevalence of Class I Dental Caries in Children Treated Under General Anesthesia - A Retrospective Cohort Study`

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease. Microorganisms, flow and composition of saliva, type of food consumed, exposure to fluoride and preventive behaviours are the criteria for the intensity of the manifestation. Dental caries are classified into various types based on parameters such as site of caries, extent, duration, progression, tissue involvement, pathway of spread, number of teeth etc. G.V Black classified dental caries based on the type of tooth affected. Class I dental caries from G.V Blacks classification is defined as caries affecting the occlusal thirds of molars, premolars, and palatal/lingual aspect of anterior teeth. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of class I dental caries in children treated under general anaesthesia in a private dental hospital. This is a single center day retrospective study done in a hospital setting. A total of 121 patient details were collected from the hospital management system. The details of children under the age of 10 who were treated under general anaesthesia was only considered. Statistical analysis (Chi-square) was done in the latest version of SPSS software. The results showed that out of the total 121 children who were treated under general anaesthesia 42.15% of the children had class I dental caries. It was also evident that the number of three-year-old children (16.53%) who had class I dental caries were more followed by four-year-olds and two-year-olds.

Unraveling the impact of primary immunodeficiency disorders on the microbiota of dental caries in children through 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis.

Dental caries is a frequently occurring and multifactorial chronic disease in children resulting from the interaction of cariogenic bacteria and host susceptibility. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impacts of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) on microbiota of dental caries in children by 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis. Enrolled in this study were 15 children with primary PID with caries (PID group) and 15 healthy children with caries as a control (CG). The DMFT index, saliva flow rate, and buffering capacity of each participant were assessed before the metagenomic analyses were conducted. For taxonomic profiling, the reads were obtained by high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA. The DMFT score, saliva flow rate, and buffering capacity of the groups were similar. The flow rate and buffering capacity had no correlation with the number of species with 95% confidence. The metagenomic analysis resulted in the identification of 2440 bacterial species in all of the samples. Among the 50 most prevalent species present at ≥1% relative abundance, Prevotella melaninogenica and Prevotella salivae were differentially more abundant in the PID group. The PID group and CG showed similar species richness and evenness, but 4 of the 5 samples with the highest Shannon-Weiner and Inverse Simpson indices belonged to the PID group. The Spearman test results for correlation of the species in the PID subgroups showed that Prevotella oris had a positively correlated relationship with both Scardovia wiggsiae and Saccharibacteria genera incertae sedis. This study provided insight into the caries microbiota of children with immunodeficiency diseases. Differentially abundant species, novel bacterial associations, and unique bacterial species were disclosed in the PID samples, indicating the role of the immune system in altering the caries microbiota. The prominent bacterial species and associations in the PID group should be suspected in regard to their link with present or future diseases.

Early childhood caries: parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards its prevention in refugee camps in Erbil, Iraq

BackgroundEarly childhood caries is a significant oral health issue in socially deprived communities, including refugees, where prevention plays a crucial role in minimizing the challenges and costs associated with treating early childhood caries. To improve oral health outcomes, it is important to understand parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This study aims to assess the oral health knowledge, practices, and attitudes of refugee parents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 503 parents/caregivers residing in Erbil’s refugee camps in Iraq, with healthy preschool children aged one to six years. Structured questionnaire was utilized in conducting individual interviews with parents to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The questionnaire collected demographic information and data on access to oral health services.ResultsA total of 503 out of 505 households actively participated in the study, resulting in a high response rate of 99.6%. Demographic analysis revealed that the majority of respondents were female parents, constituting 92.05% of the sample. Within the participant pool, the primary age groups were 26–35 years (55.3%) and 18–25 years (26.2%). Educational background analysis revealed that a significant proportion of parents had attained a secondary school education (29.6%) or primary school education (27.4%). Statistical analysis further established a noteworthy association between educational background and knowledge level. The investigation of participants’ knowledge uncovered notable gaps and misconceptions pertaining to early childhood caries, with an overall mean score of 5.1. Assessing the overall attitude of parents, a mean score of 3.87 (SD = 1.29) suggested a generally unfavorable attitude towards oral hygiene practices and prevention of early childhood caries. In terms of actual practices, parents demonstrated a mean practice score of 5.7.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes knowledge gaps and misconceptions among parents in refugee camps regarding early childhood caries in preschool children. Findings revealed low knowledge scores, limited understanding of hidden sugars, delayed oral hygiene practices, and limited knowledge about fluoride.

Case Report: Treatment and management of a child at high risk of caries

IntroductionCaries are at the forefront of childhood diseases. Although childhood caries is usually not life-threatening, it can affect children's dental–maxillofacial development and mental health and place significant financial and psychological burdens on parents. As the focus of childhood dental caries shifts to early diagnosis and prevention rather than restorative dentistry alone, screening children at a high risk of dental caries is urgent. Appropriate caries prevention measures and treatment sequences can effectively reduce the occurrence and development of dental caries in children.CaseWe report the case of a 7-year-old boy presenting with a high risk of dental caries involving multiple primary teeth and premature eruption of the permanent teeth. We shifted the caries status of the child from high to moderate likelihood. At the 9-month post-treatment follow-up, the patient had no new dental caries, and the length and width of the dental arch were effectively maintained.ConclusionOral health education, dental plaque removal in a regular basis, and fluoride application contribute to caries management.

Child dental neglect and legal protections: a compendium of briefs from policy reviews in 26 countries and a special administrative region of China.

Child neglect is a public health, human rights, and social problem, with potentially devastating and costly consequences. The aim of this study was to: (1) summarize the oral health profile of children across the globe; (2) provide a brief overview of legal instruments that can offer children protection from dental neglect; and (3) discuss the effectiveness of these legal instruments. We summarized and highlighted the caries profile and status of implementation of legislation on child dental neglect for 26 countries representing the World Health Organization regions: five countries in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), eight in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Unites States of America, Uruguay), six in the Eastern Mediterranean (Egypt, Iran, Libya, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), four in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, United Kingdom), two in South-East Asia (India and Indonesia) and one country (China) with its special administrative region (Hong Kong) in the Western Pacific. Twenty-five of the 26 countries have legal instruments to address child neglect. Only two (8.0%) of these 25 countries had specific legal instruments on child dental neglect. Although child neglect laws can be interpreted to establish a case of child dental neglect, the latter may be difficult to establish in countries where governments have not addressed barriers that limit children's access to oral healthcare. Where there are specific legal instruments to address child dental neglect, a supportive social ecosystem has also been built to facilitate children's access to oral healthcare. A supportive legal environment, however, does not seem to confer extra protection against risks for untreated dental caries. The institution of specific country-level legislation on child dental neglect may not significantly reduce the national prevalence of untreated caries in children. It, however, increases the prospect for building a social ecosystem that may reduce the risk of untreated caries at the individual level. Social ecosystems to mitigate child dental neglect can be built when there is specific legislation against child dental neglect. It may be more effective to combine public health and human rights-based approaches, inclusive of an efficient criminal justice system to deal with child dental neglect.

Correlation between vitamin D levels in serum and the risk of dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundVitamin D plays a crucial role in oral health, and its deficiency is associated to significant changes in oral health diseases. We aimed to explore the relationship between levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and dental caries in children.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched by two investigators including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Dental caries results were presented as either prevalence or based on the index of primary and permanent teeth/surfaces with decaying, missing, and filled areas, while vitamin D levels were determined through laboratory testing. Two researchers independently selected studies, collected information, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated the study quality. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion.ResultsA total of 13 studies were included, comprising 5 cross-sectional studies, 5 cohort studies, 3 case–control studies, all of which had high methodological quality. Our meta-analysis showed that children with vitamin D deficiency had a 22% higher risk of dental caries than those with normal vitamin D levels, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.22 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.18 to 1. 25. Further subgroup analysis according to the three types of studies showed that the risk of dental caries in children with vitamin D deficiency was higher than that in normal vitamin D level group (cohort studies: 62%; cross-sectional studies, 19%; and case–control studies, 5%). Additionally, according to age, subgroup analysis also showed that the risk of dental caries in children with vitamin D deficiency was higher than that in normal vitamin D level group (permanent teeth studies, 28%; deciduous teeth studies, 68%; and mixed dentition studies 8%).ConclusionsLevels of 25 (OH) D have been found negatively associated with dental caries in children, indicating that low vitamin D levels may be considered a potential risk factor to this dental disease.

Relationship between Tooth Brushing Behavior and Dental Caries in Children at 27 Sungai Sapih Public Elementary School Kuranji, Padang City

Caries is often experienced in mid-childhood (10-12 years) which is referred to as a vulnerable period, because at that time milk teeth begin to fall out and first permanent teeth begin to erupt. Tooth brushing is the most recommended primary prevention in maintaining dental and oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between tooth brushing behavior and dental caries in children at 27 Sungai Sapih Kuranji Public Elementary School, Padang City. This was a quantitative study with an analytical and observational approach. Population were all students in grades 4 and 5, totaling 114 students obtained with total sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Spearman test, and were processed using computerized program SPSS IBM version 25.0. The results showed that most subjects had moderate tooth brushing behavior (82.5%), and the highest percentage of dental caries level was very low (49.1%). The Spearman test showed a significant relationship between tooth brushing behavior and dental caries level among the subjects (p=0.001). In conclusion, there was a significant relationship between tooth brushing behavior and dental caries in children at SD Negeri 27 Sungai Sapih Kuranji, Padang City. It is recommended for dental health workers to educate the students about the importance of dental and oral care and how to do tooth brushing properly and correctly. Keywords: tooth brushing behavior; dental caries; elementary school children; dental and oral health