Tooth brushing habits and prevalence of early childhood caries: a prospective cohort study

K. Boustedt*, J. Dahlgren, S. Twetman, J. Roswall

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde
8 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To study the relationship between the tooth-brushing habits during the preschool ages and caries prevalence at the age of 5 years and to investigate a possible association with the mode of delivery. Methods: The study population consisted of 336 children that were orally examined at 2, 3 and 5 years. All stages of caries were scored on tooth and surface level. Data on tooth brushing behaviour were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: At 5 years, the attrition rate was 13.1%. The total caries prevalence (cavitated and non-cavitated lesions) was 18.9%. The vast majority of the parents assisted their child with the brushing and 98% used fluoride toothpaste. The relative risk (RR) for caries was significantly (p < 0.05) increased for “tooth brushing less than twice daily” at two (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3, p < 0.01) and 3 years (RR 3.6, 95% CI 2.0–6.7; p < 0.001). Likewise, reporting “major/minor difficulties to perform tooth brushing” at 2 and 3 years was significantly related to caries development at the age of five (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.4, p < 0.05 and RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.3; p < 0.01). We found no significant association between the tooth brushing habits and the mode of delivery. Conclusions: Less than twice daily tooth-brushing and difficulties to perform the procedure during the first preschool years were significant determinants of caries prevalence at the age of 5 years. Health professionals should, therefore, give special attention and assist parents to improve and optimize their tooth brushing behaviour during the preschool years.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftEuropean Archives of Paediatric Dentistry
Antal sider5
ISSN1818-6300
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 feb. 2020

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