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Children's perception of caries and gingivitis as determinants of oral health behaviours: a cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Eisalhy Mohamed,
Alsumait Aishah,
Behzadi Sahar,
AlMutawa Sabiha,
Amin Maryam
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12187
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , cross sectional study , logistic regression , dentistry , attendance , tooth brushing , oral health , odds ratio , family medicine , oral hygiene , brush , engineering , pathology , toothbrush , electrical engineering , economics , economic growth
Aim To evaluate the relationship between children's perception of caries and gingivitis and their oral health behaviours. Design Participants in this cross‐sectional study were children aged 11–14 years. A questionnaire for measuring children's perceptions and behaviours was developed, validated and applied. Perceptions were analysed as predictors for behaviours using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 434 children (57% males) participated in the study. Half of them perceived caries as a disease and believed in visiting the dentist regularly regardless of dental need. More than 60% were unaware that gum bleeding is a sign of disease and only 60.7% believed that it requires a management. Being aware that gum bleeding is a sign of disease and that it requires treatment increased the odds of brushing 2.83 ( OR = 2.83, 95% CI :1.33–6.12) and 2.1 ( OR = 2.1, 95% CI :1.05–5.55) times, respectively. Children aware of importance of dental visits even without dental decay were 2.9 times more likely to visit the dentist regularly ( OR = 2.86, 95% CI :1.25–5.75) and were 77% more likely to never miss a dental appointment ( OR = 1.77, 95% CI :1.03–3.37). Conclusion Being aware that bleeding gum requires treatment was a determinant of toothbrushing habit. Improved perceived need for dental check‐up regardless of dental problem may promote children's preventive dental attendance.