Connectivity between Frequency of Toothbrushing and Dental Caries

Abstract

The goal of this research was to evaluate the oral health of the children of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian (RAE) community in relation to toothbrushing frequency. Methods and Results: A total of 201 children (93 boys and 108 girls) participated in this research. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of deciduous teeth and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) developed by Greene and Vermillion were evaluated in relation to toothbrushing frequency. Our research revealed an important and significant difference in toothbrushing frequency between the variables for F=3.7839 and P=0.0244. Children who brushed their teeth twice a day had a markedly lower DMFT index (3.15±3.29) than children who brushed their teeth less than once a day (4.86±3.81). Also, this group of children for P=0.02 had a markedly lower DMFT index (3.15±3.29) than children who brushed their teeth once a day (4.86±3.81). An important and significant difference was found between plaque index (PI) and toothbrushing frequency (H=7.86, P=0.02). Conclusion: Difficult economic circumstances and poor oral hygiene are the main factors causing poor oral health in this group of children.

Keywords

• dental caries
• oral hygiene
• toothbrushing