Effectiveness of egg carton simulation model as a method of teaching tooth brushing in school going children – A quasi experimental study

Abstract

Background: The majority of oral diseases, which are among the most common illnesses worldwide, can be avoided. Adequate oral health depends on establishing significant tooth brushing routines to prevent gingivitis and dental caries and controlling the consumption of sugared foods. Elementary schools are a potential target for these interventions to support children in developing healthy behaviors independently. Large scale school-based programs are effective in reducing preventable diseases through cost-effective interventions. Objectives: To establish and assess a new activity-based approach for teaching schoolchildren regarding tooth brushing, by using egg cartons as models for teeth. Materials and Methods: Two methods of teaching tooth brushing technique to school children of age group of 8–12 years were compared: (i) Conventional method (n = 15): Instructions on study model (ii) egg carton simulation method (n = 15): Hands-on activity on egg cartons as simulated models. The outcome assessed was the plaque index (Silness and Loe, 1964). Gender-wise comparisons were done using a Chi-square test for comparing the categorical variables. Results: Plaque scores compared using an independent t-test showed significant improvement in the egg carton group after the teaching sessions (P < 0.01 for the egg carton method). Conclusion: The egg carton simulation method is an effective method for plaque removal compared to the conventional approach as there is significant plaque score reduction in children after the teaching session.

Keywords

• activity-based-learning
• oral health promotion
• school children
• teaching tooth brushing