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Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children
Author(s) -
Kolawole KA,
Oziegbe EO,
Bamise CT
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of dental hygiene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1601-5037
pISSN - 1601-5029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00466.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , oral hygiene , toothbrush , dentistry , tooth brushing , socioeconomic status , dental plaque , hygiene , toothpaste , population , environmental health , brush , electrical engineering , pathology , engineering
To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene9 , 2011; 143–148
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00466.x
Kolawole KA, Oziegbe EO, Bamise CT.Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children. Abstract: Background: Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases. Objective: To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children. Methods: Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile‐Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI). Results: Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride‐containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores ( P < 0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI ( P < 0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI ( P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health. Conclusions: Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.