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Reduction of causative organisms associated with dental caries and alteration of oral hygiene status in connection with toothbrushing instruction for preschool children

Ji-Na Song 1 Cho, MyungSook 2 Lee Min Kyung 3 유수빈 4 Sun-Il Kim 5 Kim Hye-Jin 3

1동의대학교 대학원 보건의과학과
2대구보건대학교
3동의대학교
4부산대학교 치의학전문대학원 구강해부학교실
5춘해보건대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study was conducted to reveal the biological basis of dental plaque and preschool children’s dental health status through repetitive and continuous toothbrushing instruction to preschool children, using quantitative criteria, and to emphasize the importance of the role of an oral health manager for the prevention of dental caries. Methods: After IRB approval, toothbrushing instruction and oral microbial specimen collection were conducted with children of preschool age at the Daycare Center attached to D. University, Busan. Specimens from 27 children were characterized by analysis with real-time multi-chain enzymatic polymerization reaction technique at an agency specializing in genetic analysis. Results: In a survey of the children’s dental health behaviors, 48.1% responded that the toothbrushing time is 91 to 150 seconds; 66.7% responded that the frequency of toothbrushing is more than three times per day; 81.5% stated that they performed tongue brushing; and 81.5% brushed their teeth. Regarding levels of dental cariogenic bacteria, after children received continuous toothbrushing instruction, there were reductions in both Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus . Regarding toothbrushing time, the time increased in relation to the presence of instruction. Regarding Quigley Hein Index, the index decreased in the early and middle periods upon addition of instruction, then increased in the middle and later periods. Conclusions: Through persistent and repetitive toothbrushing instruction, healthy behavior can be positively established in children of preschool age; it is necessary to prepare institutional measures so opportunities for dental health education can be consistently provided and maintained. In the future, it will be necessary to conduct a follow-up study to verify the factors affecting toothbrushing time and volume of oral pathogens.

Citation status

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