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

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.

Malnutrition, enamel defects, and early childhood caries in preschool children in a sub-urban Nigeria population

“…Nutrition may also increase the susceptibility of developing teeth to toxins, as indicated by studies showing that fluorosis in the primary dentition is not exclusively dependent on water fluoride concentrations [56]. Some strategies that can reduce the risk of ECC in the study population include improving the quality and frequency of tooth brushing [57] along with the use of fluoridated toothpaste [58] to reduce plaque retention and increase the exposure of oral biofilm to fluoride ions. Another strategy may be through reducing the risk of malnutrition although we cannot provide conclusive evidence.…”

The Status and Associated Factors of Early Childhood Caries among 3- to 5-year-old Children in Guangdong, Southern China: A Provincial Cross-sectional Survey

“…Moreover, lack of toothbrushing was a risk factor for ECC [43], and irregular brushing at 18 months of age was a highly signi cant predictor of developing ECC [44]. Brushing less than twice a day or di culties brushing teeth during the rst year of preschool were signi cant determinants of ECC at the age of 5 years [45]. Therefore, professionals should give parents special attention and assist in improving and optimizing their toothbrushing behavior during children's preschool years.…”

The Status and Associated Factors of Early Childhood Caries among 3- to 5-year-old Children in Guangdong, Southern China: A Provincial Cross-sectional Survey

“…Moreover, lack of toothbrushing was a risk factor for ECC [42], and irregular brushing at 18 months of age was a highly significant predictor of developing ECC [43]. Brushing less than twice a day or difficulties brushing teeth during the first year of preschool were significant determinants of ECC at the age of 5 years [44]. Therefore, professionals should give parents special attention and assist in improving and optimizing their toothbrushing behavior during children's preschool years.…”