Children's Oral Health Behaviors Research Articles

Hubungan Jenjang Pendidikan terhadap Perilaku Menjaga Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut Anak Tunagrahita di SLB Kota Sidoarjo

Intellectual disability is a child who suffers from intellectual ability below average and tends to have retardation in intelligence, physical, emotional, and social. They are not independent enough in keeping their own health especially oral hygiene, it can affect their oral health behavior. Education that is one of external factors influences health behavior. Education and knowledge influence each other so that people are expected to have high education in order to be knowledgeable especially in terms of maintaining health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between education level and oral health behavior of children suffering from intellectual disability. This research was an observational analytic research with cross sectional approach. The subjects of this study were a number of children of SDLB, SMPLB and SMALB in SLB Sidoarjo, with total sampling as many as 115 students. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire of knowledge and attitude how to brush teeth and performed the action as well. The collected data were analyzed by using spearman correlation test. The result of this research showed that correlation coefficient for education level with knowledge, attitude and behavior was > 0,05, so there was no relation between those variables. Meanwhile, the result of correlation coefficient of education with action was < 0.05, so there was correlation between those two. The conclusion of this research is there is no correlation between the level of education and oral health behavior of intellectual disability children in SLB Sidoarjo.
 Keywords: Mental retarded, dental health behavior, education level

Effectiveness of oral health education intervention among female primary school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the effectiveness of oral health intervention on the improvement in knowledge and self-reported oral health behavior among 6–8 year old female primary school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsThe sample consisted of 1661 girls in primary schools who are 6 to 8-year-olds (first, second and third graders). The children’s level of knowledge was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire that was formulated for this specific age and divided into two parts; oral health knowledge and self-reported oral health behavior. There were seven multiple choice questions and one true/false question with five underlying parts in the questionnaire which contained basic information about oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices and certain habits that affect teeth. The questionnaires were distributed before and six weeks after implementation of the oral health educational program to measure the level improvement of knowledge regarding oral health among these children. ResultsAll the questions showed statistically significant improvement in knowledge and self-reported behavior in the post intervention group. There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge by 11.24% and level of self-reported behavior by 25% after intervention (P < 0.001). The highest net change in the knowledge due to intervention was noted among third graders (13.3%), whereas for self-reported oral health behavior, it was noted among first graders (28.3%). ConclusionThe results of this study showed that an easy-to-organize and inexpensive school-based intervention can, on a short-term basis, be effective in improving the knowledge and self-reported oral health behavior of children.

The effectiveness of the Brush Day and Night programme in improving children’s toothbrushing knowledge and behaviour

Regular twice-daily toothbrushing with a fluoridated toothpaste is widely recommended for schoolchildren. The '21-day Brush Day and Night (BDN) programme' includes an educational approach for children and school staff, with a consistent practice of toothbrushing at school for 3 weeks. This study aims to evaluate the improvement in oral hygiene knowledge and behaviour in schoolchildren involved in BDN, the sustainability of this after 6-12 months, and if any particular age group was more receptive to it than others. Ten countries and 7,991 children, 2-12 years old, participated in this longitudinal study, with two BDN interventions at the beginning and 6-12 months afterward. Data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire at baseline/first intervention (T0), 21 days after first intervention (T0D21), at the second intervention (T1), and 21 days after second intervention (T1D21). Improvement in knowledge and behaviour was compared using the chi-square test with an alpha level of 5%. The final data sample of 5,148 schoolchildren was evaluated, and the analysis revealed that 25% more of the schoolchildren brushed their teeth twice a day after the first intervention. The programme was more effective among the 7-9 years age group. The BDN intervention increased brushing-frequency in children at the first intervention, and this was sustained after 6-12 months. Therefore, this programme illustrated a sustainable approach to improve children's oral health knowledge and behaviour.

Risk Factors of Early Childhood Caries among Young Children in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Early childhood caries (ECC) was prevalent in Hong Kong. Children with ECC risk should be identified early for prevention. This study aimed to identify common risk factors of ECC in Hong Kong 3-year-old children. Sample size calculation showed at least 6,321 of 3-year-old children should be invited in this study. A consent form and a questionnaire enquiring the children's oral health behaviours and social-economic background were distributed to their parents. Children with parental consent were examined by a trained dentist. Caries status was recorded in dmft index. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors of ECC. A total of 5,167 children from the 6,331 children invited were examined. Among them, 1,130 children (22%) had ECC (dmft>0). Logistic regression analysis found age of starting tooth brushing, snack-intake frequency, dental visit experience, birthplace, family monthly income, primary caretaker, and mother's education level were factors associated with ECC of the children. Children who started tooth brushing later, had higher snack-intake frequency, were not born in Hong Kong, and whose family monthly income was lower, mother's education level was lower, primary caretaker was not domestic helper, had a statistically significant higher chance of having ECC.

Oral health behaviours of parents and young children in a practice-based caries prevention trial in Northern Ireland.

The NICPIP trial evaluated the costs and effects of a caries prevention intervention delivered to 2- to 3-year-old children attending dental practices in Northern Ireland. This supplementary study explored the oral health behaviours of children and their parents to help understand the reasons for the trial's findings. A mixed methods study that included a questionnaire completed by all parents (n=1058) at the time they brought their child for the NICPIP final clinical assessment. The questionnaire collected data on frequency of toothbrushing and sugar consumption. Questionnaire data were analysed by trial group and caries status. Parents of trial participants (n=42) were invited to take part in telephone interviews. Parents were purposively sampled according to trial group and whether or not their child developed caries. The interviews explored how and why oral health behaviours happened. Interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. The questionnaire data indicated that toothbrushing and between-meal sugar snacking were common in the majority of children. The children of parents who automatically reminded their child to brush their teeth were more likely to remain caries-free (Odds Ratio 1.24; 95% CI 1.08, 1.41; P=.002). Frequency of sweet drink consumption was associated with the child developing caries (Odds Ratio 0.88; 95% CI 0.79, 0.98; P=.021). The interview data showed that parents had positive attitudes towards brushing both in terms of perceived importance and expected outcomes. Attitudes towards sugar snacking were more complex, with parents reporting difficulties in controlling this behaviour. Sugar was described as being something that was "ever present" in children's lives. Toothbrushing was widely adopted from a young age, but between-meal sugar consumption was highly prevalent. The results suggest that effective family-level and population-level interventions are needed to reduce sugar consumption if substantial improvements in caries prevention are to be achieved.

How do foster carers manage the oral health of children in foster care? A qualitative study.

This qualitative study explored how the foster family environment influenced children's oral health. It also aimed to better understand foster carers' oral health knowledge, attitudes and experiences of managing foster children's oral health behaviours and oral health care. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study design was used to recruit a purposive sample of foster carers in Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom, from a range of backgrounds (maximum variation sampling). Participants were aged 21 years and older and provided full-time foster care for children for a minimum of 1 year. The foster carers took part in focus groups that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis followed a five-step IPA process, which included reading the transcripts, note taking, identifying emerging themes, connecting related themes and writing up the final themes. Iterative data gathering and analysis continued to reach thematic saturation. Three focus groups were conducted, involving a total of 12 foster carers. Eight of the 12 participants had fostered children for more than 10 years and they were currently fostering 22 children aged five to 18 years old. Four themes emerged from within the context of the supportive and nurturing foster family environment that described how foster carers' responded to and managed the oral health of their foster children. Foster carers had adopted an oral health caregiving role, "in loco parentis" responding to the poor oral health of their vulnerable foster children. They were hypervigilant about establishing and monitoring children's oral health routines and taking their children to see a dentist; these were seen as an integral part of being good foster carers. They were knowledgeable about the causes of children's oral ill health, gained from their own dental experiences and from looking after their own children. Foster carers had experienced tensions while adopting this oral health caregiving role with dentists who had refused to see younger children. Foster carers had also experienced tensions with teenage foster children who questioned their parental authority and legitimate right to set rules about smoking and healthy eating. This is the first study to explore foster carers' oral health perspectives and the foster family environment within the oral health context. It highlights the unrecognized and important role that foster carers have in improving the oral health of vulnerable children. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between foster carers and dentists and to support the development of health and social care interventions to improve foster children's oral health.

The family's influence on the oral health of children. A peek behind the front door

The prevention of dental caries seems fairly easy. The disease can largely be avoided by the daily removal of dental plaque using fluoride toothpaste and the control of sugary intakes. Most parents have sufficient knowledge and motivation to adhere to this prevention advice with respect to their children. Actual practice, however, proves quite difficult because parents experience barriers in implementing the advice. This article provides an overview of the most important family-related factors that influence children's oral health behaviour and dental caries experience. Factors include oral health-related attitudes of the parents, the way that parents deal with their children and communicate with them (parenting practices) and the organisation of daily life within the family (family functioning). It's important for oral health care providers to engage in conversations with parents to identify possible barriers. Tailored advice can then be given to help them improve their oral health behaviour.

Parental decisions about children's oral health behaviour: relative or absolute?

To test the extent to which parents' judgements about their children's oral health behaviour conform to the principles of a specific theory of cognitive decision making - Range-frequency Theory. Experimental study with an opportunity sample of 121 parents of young children (3-6 years old) living in areas of relative deprivation in South Wales. Parents were allocated to four different experimental groups, and each completed a pen-and-paper exercise, which involved being presented with (and rating) how often other parents brushed their children's teeth. The brushing frequencies presented varied between the groups, directly test the rank and range principle of Range-frequency Theory. Parents' ratings of other toothbrushing frequencies were predicted by the range and rank principle of Range-frequency Theory. A comparison between Group 1 and Group 2 showed that parents' ratings of similar brushing frequencies were affected by their relative rank among other brushing frequencies presented. A comparison between Group 3 and Group 4 showed that parents in a group who were presented with a very high brushing frequency (21 times a week) rated all other brushing frequencies as relatively less healthy than the comparison group. The principles of Range-frequency Theory predicted parents' judgement about children's oral health behaviour - specifically toothbrushing frequency. These findings provide a theoretical framework on which to develop future oral health education and interventions aimed at promoting twice-daily toothbrushing to parents of young children.

Oral health behaviours of children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2013.

Background The 2013 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fifth in a series of national surveys.Aim To describe the oral health behaviours in children and adolescents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Method A representative sample of children (aged 5, 8 12 and 15 years) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were invited to participate in dental examinations. Children and parents were also invited to complete a questionnaire about oral health behaviours.Results Overall, the majority of children and young people reported good oral health behaviours. For example, more than three quarters of the 12- and 15-year-olds reported brushing their teeth twice a day or more often. However, a sizeable proportion of the sample reported less positive behaviours. Nearly 30% of 5-year-olds first started to brush their teeth after the age of one year. Among 15-year-olds, 11% were current smokers and 37% reported that they currently drank alcohol. Sixteen percent of 12-year-olds reported to consume drinks containing sugar four or more times a day. Of particular concern was the marked differences that existed by level of deprivation. Children living in lower income households (eligible for free school meals) were less likely to brush their teeth twice a day, more likely to start brushing after six months, more likely to be a smoker and more likely to consume frequent amounts of sugary drinks.Conclusion Despite some encouraging overall patterns of good oral health behaviours, a sizeable proportion of children and young people reported behaviours that may lead to poorer oral and general health. Preventive support should be delivered in clinical dental settings to encourage positive oral health behaviours. Public health strategies are also needed to reduce inequalities in oral health behaviours among children and young people.

The effect of oral health educational pictures and video on periodontal health and behavior of school children

Background: Oral health education for students is a fundamental role for maintaining and raising perfect oral health and pre- venting oral diseases in future. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of oral health educational pictures and video on periodontal health and behavior in dentition of 12-years old school children in Baghdad city. Materials and methods: Oral examination was conducted on (128) children of (Al-Yamama) primary school in Baghdad city. They were divided into four equal groups, each one consisting of (32) children. The first oral examination was done in first visit to chil- dren (pre-test). The community periodontal index (CPITN) scores were used to evaluate periodontal health status of children. Then, the first and second groups, experimental groups, were received instruction about oral health enhancement with education- al program (pictures and video clip) regularly for one month. The third and fourth groups, control groups, were received instruction about oral health enhancement only regularly for one month. The second oral examination was done after one month to children (post-test). Also, questionnaire were given to assess oral health behaviors of children in pre- and post- tests. Results: Clinical examination display that CPITN of experimental groups (1, 2) was lower with healthier gingiva when compared with control groups (3, 4) with statistical significant differences between pre and post-tests (P-value <0.005). The percentages of using tooth brush and paste, frequency of teeth cleaning at day, time taking for cleaning teeth, preferable time of cleaning, brush- ing technique, tooth brush replacement, cause of tooth brushing and using of dental floss were improved in post-test in all groups in comparison with pre-test especially in the experimental groups (1, 2). Conclusion : Results of this study clearly reflect the proposed positive effect of the educational program in the lowering CPITN indices scores among the participants in the experimental group. Results of this study also provide another clue that combination of instruction about oral health enhancement with educational program (pictures and video clip) that represent new strategies for community oral health education; which could be targeted in order to enhance the effect of the oral health education campaigns directed to primary school children.

Establishing oral health promoting behaviours in children – parents’ views on barriers, facilitators and professional support: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe prevention of childhood dental caries relies on adherence to key behaviours, including twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and reducing the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore parents’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators that influence these oral health behaviours in children. A further objective was to explore parents’ views on limitations and opportunities for professional support to promote children’s oral health.MethodsSix focus group interviews were conducted, including a total of 39 parents of 7-year old children, who were recruited from paediatric dental centres in The Netherlands. Interviews were held with Dutch parents of low and high socioeconomic status and parents from Turkish and Moroccan origin. Focus group interviews were conducted on the basis of a pre-tested semi-structured interview guide and topic list. Content analysis was employed to analyse the data.ResultsAnalysis of interview transcripts identified many influences on children’s oral health behaviours, operating at child, family and community levels. Perceived influences on children’s tooth brushing behaviour were primarily located within the direct family environment, including parental knowledge, perceived importance and parental confidence in tooth brushing, locus of control, role modelling, parental monitoring and supervision, parenting strategies and tooth brushing routines and habituation. The consumption of sugary foods and drinks was influenced by both the direct family environment and factors external to the family, including the school, the social environment, commercials and television, supermarkets and affordability of foods. Parents raised several suggestions for professional oral health support, which included the provision of clear and consistent oral health information using a positive approach, dietary regulations at school and a multidisciplinary approach among dental professionals, child health centres and other institutions in providing parental support.ConclusionIn conclusion, this qualitative study provided detail regarding parental views on the influences on children oral health behaviours and their opinions on what further support is needed to promote children’s dental health. Parents’ suggestions for professional oral health support can guide the development or improvement of caries preventive interventions.

Dental caries, fluorosis, and oral health behavior of children from Herat, Afghanistan.

Decades of conflict, poverty, and dysfunctional public services have affected people's health in Afghanistan. To estimate treatment needs and guide health initiatives, epidemiologic data are required. Such data are currently unavailable for dental health. The present study assessed caries experience, fluorosis, and oral health behavior in children from Afghanistan. We performed a two-stage, school-based cross-sectional study in Herat province in Afghanistan. A total of 1059 children, 369 children aged 6-7, 300 aged 12, and 390 aged 15years, were sampled. Caries was assessed according to ICDAS, and oral hygiene, dietary habits, and parental economic and educational status evaluated. Prevalence of fluorosis was assessed, and fluoride concentrations in drinking water and in used toothpastes were measured. Mean (SD) number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth was dmft=4.88 (3.11), DMFT=2.57 (2.16), and DMFT=4.04 (3.03) in 6-/7-, 12-, and 15-year-olds, respectively. The majority of lesions in 6-year-olds were cavitated, while 12- and 15-year-olds showed more non- or microcavitated lesions. Most lesions, especially in young children, were untreated. Mean (range) water fluoride concentration was 0.37 (0.19-0.67)ppm. Fluoride concentrations in evaluated toothpastes did not meet internationally recommended levels. The majority of children showed no or minimal fluorosis. Having fluorosis, infrequently consuming sweets, or having a father with high education was associated with low caries experience (dmfs/DMFS<10), with OR (95% CI) being 0.64 (0.47/0.90), 0.65 (0.44-0.95), and 0.64 (0.47/0.90), respectively. Examined Afghan children had high unmet dental treatment needs and caries experience. Sufficient access to restorative treatment and prevention measures is urgently required.

Caregiver's Education Level and Child's Dental Caries in African Americans: A Path Analytic Study

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of caregiver education level on children's dental caries mediated by both caregiver and child oral health behaviors. Participants were 423 low-income African American kindergarteners and their caregivers who were part of a school-based randomized clinical trial. Path analysis tested the hypothesis that caregiver education level affected untreated dental caries and cumulative overall caries experience (decayed or filled teeth) through the mediating influence of frequency of dental visits, use of routine care, and frequency of toothbrushing for both the caregiver and the child. The results supported the hypothesis: caregivers who completed high school were 1.76 times more likely to visit dentists compared with those who did not complete high school (e^0.56 = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.03-2.99), which in turn was associated with 5.78 times greater odds of dental visits among their children (e^1.76 = 5.78, 95% CI: 3.53-9.48). Children's dental visits, subsequently, were associated with 26% fewer untreated decayed teeth compared with children without dental visits (e^-0.31 = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60-0.91). However, this path was not present in the model with overall caries experience. Additionally, caregiver education level was directly associated with 34% less untreated decayed teeth (e^-0.42 = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.54-0.79) and 28% less decayed or filled teeth (e^-0.32 = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.88) among the children. This study overcomes important conceptual and analytic limitations in the existing literature. The findings confirm the role of caregiver education in child dental caries and indicate that caregiver's behavioral factors are important mediators of child oral health.

The importance of oral health behavior of children for their oral health

Introduction. Caries or tooth decay regardless of the good knowledge of the nature of the disease and the possibility of its effective prevention is still the most widespread disease in our population. It also very often threatens the functions of organs and even the entire organism. Health culture is an integral part of general culture and health education plays an important role in maintaining health of individuals. Aim. The main objective of this study is to determine the influence of oral health behavior of schoolchildren aged 12 to 14 on their oral health. The schoolchildren attended the seventh and eight grade at Drago Milovic Elementary School in Tivat. Method. The survey was conducted during the period from the end of January to April 2015 at Drago Milovic Elementary School in Tivat. It comprised all seventh and eight-graders that were at school those days. The survey instrument was a questionnaire specially designed for this study and it consisted of 36 closed-ended questions. Clinical examination of oral health in children was used as an additional research instrument. Assessment of oral health was carried out under natural light with dental mirror and probe according to WHO recommendations. The parameter used to assess the state of oral health was DMFT index - the number of carious, extracted and filled teeth. In addition, the assessment of oral hygiene was conducted using soft debris index according to Green-Vermillion which determines absence or presence, quantity and distribution of dental plaque and other soft deposits. Results. The majority of students stated that they lack knowledge regarding the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste (69.4%). It was found that the lowest incidence of caries occurred among those students who think that teeth should be brushed after every meal, and the highest incidence of this diagnosis occurred in respondents who think that teeth should be brushed once a day. Half of the surveyed students believe that teeth should be brushed most of- ten after every meal and more than half of excellent students (55.6%) believe so. DMFT index for study population was 1.87 while Green-Vermillion soft debris score of oral hygiene was 2 in largest number of students (49.5%). Conclusion. Looking at the results it can be concluded that dental care in this area does not significantly affect the improvement of oral health in children. Therefore a greater attention should be paid to continuous education programmes and gaining knowledge about oral health and hygiene of the mouth and teeth.

Prevalence and Determinants of Dental Caries in Portuguese Children

IntroductionDental caries is the most prevalent disease among children and there are studies concerning its prevalence and associated oral health determinants. The aim of this study consisted in the assessment of the prevalence of dental caries, dmft and DMFT index among schoolchildren and analysis of the association between oral health behaviors and socio-demographic aspects. Research MethodsIn a cross-sectional study we assessed 605 children aged between 6 to 12 years from 27 public schools of Sátão, Portugal. Dental caries was assessed by performing an intraoral observation. Data concerning children's oral health behaviors and socio-demographic variables were collected through a questionnaire filled out by their parents. FindingsWe verified that the dmft index was 3.01±3.03 and DMFT index was 0.93±1.35. The prevalence of dental caries is associated with age (≤8 years, 37.1% vs 40.0%,p=0.008), parents’ educational level (0-4 years,4-9 years,>9 years,41.2% vs 43.7% vs 13.8%,p=0.001) and residence area (rural,42,2% vs. 31.2%,p=0.003). Dental caries is also associated with oral health behaviors such as toothbrushing (twice or more times per day,31.2% vs 42.2%,p=0.003), dental flossing (34.5% vs 42.3%,p=0.036) and frequent dental appointments (34.5% vs 41.2%,p=0.04). ConclusionsWe found a moderate prevalence of dental caries and in early age children there is a high percentage with multiple dental caries. Dental caries is associated with socio-demographic and behavioral aspects.

Exploring oral health and hygiene practices in the Algonquin community of Rapid Lake, Quebec

Early childhood caries (ECC), a disease characterized by tooth decay in the primary teeth of children, has become particularly burdensome in Aboriginal communities in Canada. Prevalence estimates of ECC range between 50% and 100%. Most concerning are the severe cases of ECC that require treatment with restorative surgery under general anesthesia. These surgeries often displace children and families from their local communities to specialty hospitals for treatment; further, they are very costly to dental insurance payers such as the government. This study used community-based participatory research (CBPR) to explore oral health and hygiene practices in the Algonquin community of Rapid Lake, Quebec. A key goal of the study was to create a culturally adapted activity to promote children's oral health and hygiene practices. Focused ethnography was used to explore oral health beliefs and practices, and factors related to child oral health promotion with community members. Participants included children, parents, educators, healthcare workers, youth workers and elders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants. Following, two focus group interviews were conducted: one with parents and one with school children. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed iteratively using thematic analysis. Preliminary findings were then used to develop oral health promoting activities for children in the community. These activities were designed in collaboration with community workers. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) a gap existed between oral health knowledge and oral health behaviors; (2) challenges for oral health promotion included attitudes and beliefs, access, and priorities; and (3) parents needed to be further integrated into health promotion strategies. Key outcomes included: (1) the development of Eagles & Otters, a game designed to increase children's oral health knowledge; (2) an activity sheet to promote child oral health behaviors in the home; and (3) increased capacity in oral health promotion in local youth, community research partners and the student researcher. The findings of this study highlight the importance of both local and broader systemic interventions to promote children's oral health. At the local level, child oral health and hygiene was promoted through the development of activities designed to increase children's oral health knowledge and behaviors both at school and in the home where parents were directly implicated. Systemic level interventions are needed to address factors related to the social determinants of health, including cultural traditions, economic security, food security, and housing status. These factors contribute to overall health and enable the necessary conditions to promote and sustain oral health.

Prevalence and determinants of dental caries in a sample of schoolchildren of Sátão, Portugal

ObjectivesThe aim of this study consisted in the assessment of the prevalence of dental caries, dmft and DMFT index among schoolchildren and analysis of the association between oral health behaviors and socio-demographic aspects. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study we assessed 605 children aged between 6 and 12 years from 27 public schools of Sátão, Portugal. Dental caries was assessed by performing an intraoral observation. Data concerning children's oral health behaviors and socio-demographic variables were collected through a questionnaire filled out by their parents. Prevalences were expressed in proportions. The continuous variables were described using the mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and the Kruskal–Wallis test for comparing continuous variables. ResultsWe verified that the dmft index was 3.01±3.03 and DMFT index was 0.93±1.35. The prevalence of dental caries is associated with age (≤8 years, 37.1% vs 40.0%, p=0.008), parents’ educational level (0–4 years, 4–9 years, >9 years, 41.2% vs 43.7% vs 13.8%, p=0.001) and residence area (rural, 42, 2% vs. 31.2%, p=0.003). Dental caries is also associated with oral health behaviors such as toothbrushing (twice or more times per day, 31.2% vs 42.2%, p=0.003), dental flossing (34.5% vs 42.3%, p=0.036) and frequent dental appointments (34.5% vs 41.2%, p=0.04). ConclusionsWe found a moderate prevalence of dental caries and in early age children there is a high percentage with multiple dental caries. Dental caries is associated with socio-demographic and behavioral aspects.

Text2Floss: the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention to improve oral health behavior and knowledge.

Text messaging is useful for promoting numerous health-related behaviors. The Text2Floss Study examines the feasibility and utility of a 7-day text messaging intervention to improve oral health knowledge and behavior in mothers of young children. Mothers were recruited from a private practice and a community clinic. Of 156 mothers enrolled, 129 randomized into text (n = 60) and control groups (n = 69) completed the trial. Participants in the text group received text messages for 7 days, asking about flossing and presenting oral health information. Oral health behaviors and knowledge were surveyed pre- and post-intervention. At baseline, there were no differences between text and control group mothers in knowledge and behaviors (P > 0.10). Post-intervention, text group mothers flossed more (P = 0.01), had higher total (P = 0.0006) and specific (P < 0.05) knowledge, and tried to improve their child's oral health behaviors (P = 0.03) and decrease their soda and sugary snacks (P = 0.05) more than control mothers. Text messages were accepted and perceived as useful. Mothers receiving text messages improved their own oral health behaviors and knowledge as well as their behaviors regarding their children's oral health. Text messaging represents a viable method to improve oral health behaviors and knowledge. Its high acceptance may make it useful for preventing oral disease.

Korean Preschool Children's Snack and Soda Consumption and Lack of Regular Dental Checkup May Increase Risk for Early Childhood Caries

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Regular dental checkup and snack-soda drink consumption of preschool children are associated with early childhood caries in Korean caregiver/preschool children dyads. Han DH, Kim DH, Kim MJ, Kim JB, Kyunghee JC, Bae KH. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2014;42(1):70-8. Reviewer Hiroko Iida, DDS, MPH Purpose/Question What is the relationship of preschool children's oral health behavior and caregivers' self-reported oral health to the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in Dong-gu, Ulsan, Korea? Source of Funding Government: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant (No. 2011-0009536) funded by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional study Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable

Analysis of caries susceptibility factors during transition from caries-free to caries in three-year-old children

To investigate the changes of caries susceptibility factors during the transition from caries-free to caries in three-year-old children. The study included 144 caries-free children aged 34-38 months. All participants underwent clinical examination and full-mouth supragingival plaque collection.Survey of children's oral health behaviors involving feeding habits and oral health care was also taken from children's parents of all participants. The children were reexamined 6 and 12 months later. According to the potential changes of caries status in twelve months follow up, all the participants were divided into three groups: caries-free group (caries free children in twelve months follow up), caries at 6-month group (children who were found with caries or cavities fillings at six months review) and caries at 12-month group (children who were caries free at six months but found with caries or cavities fillings at twelve months). Streptococcus mutans (Sm)and Streptococcus sobrinus (Ss) loads were compared among the three groups by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR). One hundred and thirty children completed twelve months review, the dropout rate was 9.7% (14/144). At the end of twelve months follow up, the number of children in caries-free group, caries at 6-month group and caries at 12-month group was 58, 44 and 28 respectively. The changes of oral behavioral habits in caries-free group, caries at 6-month group and caries at 12-month group during twelve months follow up were not significantly different (P > 0.05). At baseline, the frequency of sweets consumption and eating sweets before sleeping in caries-free group was significantly lower than that in caries at 6-month group and caries at 12-month group (P < 0.001). At baseline, the quantity of Sm and Ss in caries at 6-month group[copy number of Sm: (6.33 ± 2.21)×10(3), copy number of Ss: (1.99 ± 0.45)×10(3)] was significantly higher than that in the caries-free group[copy number of Sm: (5.81 ± 2.43)×10(3), copy number of Ss: (1.34 ± 0.53)×10(3)] (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the quantity of Sm and Ss in the caries-free group and caries at 12-month group(P > 0.05). At six months, the quantity of Sm and Ss in caries at 12-month group was significantly higher than that in the caries-free group although both groups of children were caries-free at six months (P < 0.05). The quantity of Sm and Ss increased six months before the caries onset in three-year-old children.High frequency sweets consumption and eating sweets before sleeping were important susceptibility factors for caries onset in the future.