Table 2 Behavioral interventions

Caries Research (2013)

Ekstrand, Denmark

A randomized clinical trial of the anti-caries efficacy of 5,000 compared to 1,450 ppm fluoridated toothpaste on root caries lesions in elderly disabled nursing home residents

Randomized controlled trial

Elderly disabled nursing home residents in Denmark

Tooth brushing with 5,000 ppm fluoridated toothpaste

Comparison of effectiveness for controlling root caries between 5,000 ppm and 1,450 ppm

F-toothpaste

5,000 ppm F-toothpaste significantly more effective than 1,450 ppm F-toothpaste for controlling root caries progression and promoting remineralization

(p < 0.001)

Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry (2016)

Bhayade, India

Assessment of social, demographic determinants and oral hygiene practices in relation to dental caries among the children attending Anganwadis of Hingna, Nagpur

Cross-sectional study

Children age 5 and younger attending Anganwadis of Hingna, Nagpur

Malnutrition and oral hygiene practices

Prevalence and incidence of dental caries

Caries prevalence was higher in subjects who were cleaning their teeth using a toothpowder and finger compared to toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, malnutrition increase the risk for dental caries. Significant associations found among age, malnutrition, parents’ educational status, oral hygiene practices, total number of siblings, and dental caries

Nutrients (2021)

Jouhar, Saudi Arabia

Association of BMI, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT index of male dental students at King Faisal university,

Al-ahsa

Cross-sectional study

Male dental students at King Faisal University

Frequency of sweet consumption, toothbrushing, interdental cleaning, and use of fluoridated toothpaste

Association of BMI (body mass index) with DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth); and association of diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT

Higher parental education and income levels were significantly linked to higher BMI. Dietary factors, especially sugar consumption, and low physical activity were also associated with increased BMI.

Oral hygiene practices, except for miswak and mouthwash, were linked to higher BMI. Overweight and obese individuals had more decayed and missing teeth. There was a strong association between decayed and missing teeth and higher BMI levels.

Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene (2021)

Limeback, Canada

Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Clients of all ages, with primary, mixed or permanent dentitions.

Biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) as an active ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel

Reduction of dental decay

3 RCTs showed HAP provided 17% protection against caries.

Shown evidence that hydroxyapatite in oral care products, in the absence of fluoride, effectively reduces dental decay.

International Journal of Dental Hygiene (2022)

Mutluay, Turkey

Caries prevalence, oral health practices/behaviours and dental anxiety levels amongst dental hygiene students: A Cross-sectional study study

Cross-sectional study

Dental hygiene students at Kirikkale University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Dental Hygiene

Fluoride toothpaste and junk-food consumption

Oral health practices/behaviors and dental anxiety levels

Junk-food consumption affected decayed teeth and missing teeth. Students demonstrated favorable oral health behaviors/practices and low caries prevalence. Emphasis should be placed on improving adherence to oral hygiene instructions, healthy dietary/lifestyle habits, and oral health education in the undergraduate curriculum.

Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry (2020)

Pereira Pinto, Brazil

Dental Caries Investigation in Children Controlled for an Educative and Preventive Oral Health Programme

Cross-sectional study

Children aged 4 to 6 years old who had appointments over the 9 months period at Pediatric Dentistry Specialties Center (PDSC)

Oral hygiene factors (toothbrushing, sucrose ingestion, and bottle feeding habit)

Association of dental caries with behavioral, socioeconomic, and cultural factors; Streptococcus mutans (SM) levels in saliva; and oral hygiene index

High SM levels associated with DMFT index, toothbrushing without parental assistance, deficient oral hygiene, and ingestion of sweet foods. Deficient oral hygiene found in children aged 4 years old and with three or more siblings. Dental caries associated with low family income, deficient oral hygiene, sucrose ingestion by children younger than three years old, bottle-feeding habit, and low parental compliance. High SM levels in saliva, deficient oral hygiene, and high frequency of sucrose ingestion associated with dental caries in children. Cultural, socioeconomic, and behavior factors indirectly influenced the onset of dental caries.

BMC Oral Health (2018)

Skeie, Multiple

Dental caries prevention strategies among children and adolescents with immigrant—or low socioeconomic backgrounds- do they work? A systematic review

Systematic review

Children and adolescents of immigrant or low socioeconomic backgrounds

Supervised toothbrushing. Child/mother approach, targeting nutrition and broad oral health education of mothers.

Effects of caries preventive strategies

Besides studies of water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste, the other preventive intervention studies provide scientific evidence for caries reduction among children and adolescents with immigrant or low socioeconomic. backgrounds

Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology (2022)

Kim, Korea

Effect of interdental cleaning devices on proximal caries

Cross-sectional study

Adults aged 19–64 years who participated in the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015)

Use of dental floss

Association between use of interdental cleaning devices (specifically dental floss) and proximal caries experience

Flossing at home along with toothbrushing is one of the easiest ways to prevent proximal caries. Dental floss should not be excluded from oral healthcare products.

Journal of Oral Science (2012)

Takeuchi, Kingdom of Tonga

Effect of school-based fluoride mouth-rinsing on dental caries incidence among schoolchildren in the Kingdom of Tonga

Case control study

Children aged 10 years in the Kingdom of Tonga.

School-based fluoride mouth-rinsing (FMR) program

Effect of school-based FMR on dental caries incidence.

FMR program effectively decreased the number of dental caries. FMR group had significantly lower mean number of slight caries, mean number of treated teeth, and mean DMFT index in the posterior region and overall compared with control group.

Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health (2015)

Arunakul, Thailand

Effectiveness of an Oral Hygiene Education Program Combined With Fluoride Mouth rinse Among Visually Impaired Students In Bangkok, Thailand

Case control study

Visually impaired students (VIS) in Bangkok, Thailand aged 10–12 years.

Oral hygiene education kits (OHE kits) and 0.05% sodium fluoride mouth rinse

Improvement in plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and mutans streptococci (MS) salivary levels.

Group 1: OHE kits and NaF mouth rinse; Group 2: OHE kits only; Group 3 (Control): Brushing instructions only. Reduction observed in PI, GI, and MS levels in all groups. Group receiving OHE kits with or without sodium fluoride mouth rinse showed significantly lower GI and MS levels compared to the control group.

Journal of Dental Research (2022)

Yu, China

Effectiveness of Family-Centered Oral Health Promotion on Toddler Oral Health in Hong Kong

Review

Pregnant mothers and their husbands in Hong Kong, Toddlers aged 3 years old.

Test group: Individualized oral health education (OHE) via behavioral and educational counseling approach. Control group: OHE pamphlets only.

Proportions of toddlers with certain feeding habits and oral hygiene practices. Oral health status of toddlers, including visible plaque, Streptococcus mutans, white spot lesion, and cavitated lesion.

Toddlers in test group had better oral health status with lower levels of visible plaque, Streptococcus mutans, white spot lesion, and cavitated lesion compared to control (P < 0.05). Family-centered oral health promotion and individualized OHE for parents via behavioral and educational counseling approach are more effective in establishing good feeding habits and parental toothbrushing practices, and in decreasing the caries risk of their toddlers, compared to distribution of OHE pamphlets alone.

Community Dental Health (2021)

Shakir, UK

Effectiveness of school-based behavioural interventions to improve children’s oral health by reducing sugar intake and promoting oral hygiene: A rapid review of randomised controlled trials

Randomized controlled trial

Children aged 3–18 years

School-based behavioural interventions for oral health improvement

Caries increment, plaque levels, gingival health, reported frequency/amount of free sugars intake, oral hygiene behavior.

Three trials found significant reductions in plaque scores and improvements in gingival health with modest effects. Interventions delivered by peers or with parents’ involvement showed significant reductions in plaque scores compared to those delivered by dentists or teachers only. Behavioural interventions did improve oral hygiene amongst primary and secondary schoolchildren. Most interventions showed significant improvements in self-reported behaviors. There is a need for well-designed trials of behavioural interventions that are theory-derived and include environmental elements.

European Journal of Orthodontics (2019)

Enerbäck, Sweden

Effects of orthodontic treatment and different fluoride regimens on numbers of cariogenic bacteria and caries risk: a randomized controlled trial

Randomized controlled trial

Patients who were referred to the Specialist Clinic for Orthodontics, Public Dental Service, Mölndal Hospital, Sweden. Age 12–20.

Group I (Control): 1450 ppm fluoride (F) toothpaste

Group II: 1450 ppm F toothpaste plus 0.2% sodium fluoride (NaF) mouth rinse

Group III: 5000 ppm F toothpaste

Primary outcome variables: caries risk and numbers of cariogenic bacteria. Caries risk assessed using the Cariogram.

Caries risk increased significantly during orthodontic treatment in group I. All groups showed statistically significant increases in the numbers of cariogenic bacteria. Everyday use of high-fluoride toothpaste (5000 ppm F) or mouth rinse (0.2% NaF) in combination with ordinary toothpaste is recommended to avoid an increased risk of caries during orthodontic treatment.

Nutrients (2022)

Andrysiak-Karmińska, Poland

Factors Affecting Dental Caries Experience in 12-Year-Olds, Based on Data from Two Polish Provinces

Cross-sectional study

12-year-old adolescents of five primary schools in two western provinces of Poland (Lubusz Province and Greater Poland Province)

Questionnaire on socioeconomic characteristics of family, diet, and oral hygiene habits

Assessment of dentition according to WHO recommendations

Noting cavitated carious lesions and incipient caries lesions according to ICDASepiDMFt

Mean number of teeth with untreated caries, removed due to caries, and restored because of caries (DMFt).

ICDASepiDMFt index.

Odds of having ICDASepiDMFt > 0 based on oral hygiene behaviors.

Association between daily consumption of sweet carbonated drinks and ICDASepiDMTt.

Children who did not brush every day had significantly higher odds of having ICDASepiDMFt > 0 compared to those brushing at least once daily. Adolescents who drank sweet carbonated drinks every day had significantly higher ICDASepiDMTt than those who drank them less frequently. Dental caries indices of 12-year-old adolescents depend mainly on oral hygiene behaviors.

The only significant nutritional factor differentiating caries intensity was the daily consumption of sweet carbonated drinks.

Archives of Orofacial Science (2015)

Kaur, Malaysia

Factors associated with dental caries among selected urban school children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Cross-sectional study

School going children aged between 7 to 11 years. 2 public schools in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of sugar consumption, and oral health behavior

Dental caries examination conducted

Oral hygiene index (OHI) classified into good, fair, and poor using the dmft

Prevalence of dental caries among children

Mean dmft index

Association between dental caries and weight status distribution

Factors associated with dental caries, including age, duration of teeth brushing, and oral hygiene index

Prevalence of dental caries was 44.6%.

Mean dmft index was 1.27(1.84)

Significant predictors of dental caries included age (p < 0.001), duration of teeth brushing (p = 0.023), and the oral hygiene index (p = 0.002)

Younger children, longer time taken to brush teeth, and poorer oral hygiene index were predisposing factors for dental caries.

Education on dental health is important to improve oral health behavior and oral hygiene practices to reduce dental caries incidences among young children.

ISRN Dentistry (2013)

Shrutha, India

Feeding Practices and Early Childhood Caries: A Cross-sectional study Study of Preschool Children in Kanpur District, India

Cross-sectional study

Preschool children aged 3–5 years of Kanpur city, India

Pretested questionnaire consisting of 9 questions was used for collecting personal data, mothers’ practices regarding feeding, and oral hygiene practices. Children of those parents were clinically examined for dental caries using dentition status and treatment need.

Prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), Mean dmft index, Relationship between feeding practices and ECC.

Caries prevalence was high and statistically significant (p < 0.05) among those who were breastfed for longer duration, during nighttime, those falling asleep with a bottle, and those fed with additional sugar in milk.

Determining the role of feeding practices on early childhood caries can help in the development of appropriate oral health promotion strategies.

Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences (2021)

Izhar, Pakistan

Impact of oral health educational intervention for reduction in new lesions of dental caries: Cross sectional study

Cross-sectional study

The study was conducted among children in 10 Rural Health Centers (RHCs) in Pakistan.

The intervention involved oral hygiene instruction, including the provision of toothbrushes with paste, aimed at motivating and treating individuals.

The impact of oral health education intervention on improving oral health practices and the formation of new carious lesions after 3 months of intervention.

The majority of respondents lacked access to fluoridated water supply. Only 23.5% of respondents had literate parents, with the majority having illiterate parents. All respondents were at moderate risk for caries. In comparison of risk associated with teeth missing due to caries in the past 36 months, 63.2% were at low risk, 25.3% at high risk, and 11.5% at moderate risk. The study concluded that oral hygiene instruction intervention significantly motivated individuals to clean their teeth regularly and avoid the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, thereby contributing to maintaining oral and general health.

Pediatrics (2017)

Peres, Brazil

Impact of prolonged breastfeeding on dental caries: A population-based birth cohort study

Cohort study

A birth cohort in southern Brazil.

Breastfeeding was the main exposure, with data collected at birth and at 3, 12, and 24 months of age. Sugar consumption data were collected at 24, 48, and 60 months of age.

The study aimed to investigate whether the duration of breastfeeding is a risk factor for dental caries in the primary dentition, independently of sugar consumption.

The prevalence of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) was 23.9%, with a mean number of decayed, missing, and filled primary tooth surfaces (dmfs) of 4.05. Children breastfed for ≥ 24 months had a higher mean dmfs ratio (1.9; 95% CI: 1.5–2.4) and a 2.4 times higher risk of S-ECC (RR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.3) compared to those breastfed up to 12 months. Breastfeeding between 13 and 23 months showed no effect on dental caries. Prolonged breastfeeding increases the risk of dental caries, emphasizing the importance of early preventive interventions for dental health in children.

Journal of IMAB—Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers) (2015)

Damyanova, Bulgaria

Improvement of oral hygiene status in children influenced by motivation programs

Case control study

Children from 3 to 6 years of age.

Children were divided into two groups. The first group, consisting of 100 children, was further subdivided into two subgroups: children aged 3 to 5 years used toothpaste containing 500 ppm fluoride (F), while those aged 6 used toothpaste containing 1000 ppm F. The second, control group of 100 children, did not receive specific motivation activities.

The study aimed to assess the application and effectiveness of a standardized motivational program for oral hygiene in children, with evaluation based on the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) by Green-Vermillion.

Among children influenced by the standardized motivation program combined with toothpaste containing 500 ppm F, 45% showed improved oral hygiene levels.

All children showed improvement in their oral hygiene status after the training and motivation period. Additionally, in children at high decay risk, a standardized motivation program should be combined with additional prophylactic approaches.

Journal of Dental Research (2018)

Marchesan, USA

Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence

Cross-sectional study

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011 to 2012 and 2013 to 2014).

Evaluation of interdental cleaning behavior and its associations with the prevalence of caries and periodontal disease, as well as the number of missing teeth.

Associations between interdental cleaning behavior and various oral health parameters, including interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL), interproximal probing depth (iPD), number of coronal and interproximal caries, number of missing teeth, and periodontal profile classes (PPCs).

Non-users of interdental cleaning devices had significantly higher percentages of sites with iCAL‚ 3 mm and iPD‚ 4 mm compared to individuals who used interdental cleaning devices.

Interdental cleaning was associated with less periodontal disease, decreased coronal and interproximal caries, and fewer missing teeth. The data support the use of interdental cleaning devices as an oral hygiene behavior for promoting health.

Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology (2022)

Lin, Taiwan

Long term effects of a lay health advisor intervention on immigrant children’s dental caries and maternal preventive behaviour: A randomized controlled trial

Case control study

Immigrant mother and children

Intervention group received a four-chapter one-on-one lesson plan, which included dental caries-related knowledge, brushing techniques, caries prevention, and free preventive services, from the Lay Health Advisor (LHA) over 4 weeks.

Baseline and 1-week, 2-month, and 8-month follow-up information was collected using dental examinations and questionnaires.

Mothers in the LHA group were observed to be 10.9 times more likely than control mothers to assist their children in toothbrushing for 3 min. The Lay Health Advisor (LHA) intervention strategy had positive effects on the immigrant children’s new decayed and filled teeth and on maternal preventive behavior, such as assisting their children in toothbrushing.

Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology (2019)

Silva, Brazil

Motivational interviewing effects on caries prevention in children differ by income: A randomized cluster trial

Randomized cluster trial

Mothers of children born in 2013 and 2014

A cluster-randomized, double-blind study with two parallel groups in healthcare clinical settings (HCCs) comparing conventional oral health education (CE) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Children who attended at least one dental visit in the first year of life at their HCC were clinically evaluated by trained examiners, and parents responded to a questionnaire.

Motivational interviewing had a greater preventive effect against caries in children from families with lower income.

Clinical Oral Investigations (2022)

Wu, China

Motivational interviewing for caries prevention in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

Randomized controlled trial

Adolescents with unfavorable caries-related behaviors ("snacking three times or more a day" and/or "toothbrushing less often than twice a day")

Adolescents were randomly assigned to three groups to investigate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in changing health behaviors (snacking and toothbrushing) and preventing dental caries. Group I received prevailing health education (oral health talks and pamphlets), Group II participated in one-on-one face-to-face MI sessions, and Group III incorporated a patient communication tool (Cariogram) to facilitate the MI process.

Comparison: Prevailing health education (Group I).

Self-reported information on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and oral health self-efficacy and behaviors were collected via a self-administered questionnaire at baseline and 24 months post-intervention. Oral hygiene and tooth status were assessed by a blinded examiner.

Motivational interviewing outperformed prevailing health education in improving oral health behaviors and preventing dental caries among adolescents. Incorporating MI into dental care for caries-prone adolescents contributes to optimal health outcomes.

Journal of Adolescent Health (2017)

Wu, China

Motivational Interviewing to Promote Oral Health in Adolescents

Randomized controlled trial

Adolescents from fifteen secondary schools in Hong Kong.

The adolescents were randomly assigned to three groups: (I) prevailing health education, (II) motivational interviewing (MI), and (III) MI coupled with interactive dental caries risk assessment (MI + RA). Participants in each group received their respective interventions.

At baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, participants completed a questionnaire on oral health self-efficacy and behaviors. Oral hygiene (dental plaque score) and dental caries (number of decayed surfaces/teeth status) were recorded.

Motivational interviewing was more effective than prevailing health education in eliciting positive changes in adolescents’ oral health behaviors and preventing dental caries.

Journal of Dental Research (2013)

Macpherson, Scotland

National supervised toothbrushing program and dental decay in Scotland

Case control study

Five-year-old children in Scotland.

The intervention involved supervised toothbrushing in nurseries and distribution of fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes for home use.

The endpoint was the mean decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (d(3)mft) in five-year-old children, measured over multiple cross-sectional dental epidemiology surveys from 1987 to 2009.

The uptake of nursery toothbrushing correlated with the decline in d(3)mft, suggesting that the national nursery toothbrushing program was associated with improved dental health in five-year-olds.

Journal of Dental Research (2016)

Albino, USA

Preventing Childhood Caries: A Review of Recent Behavioral Research

Literature review

Children up to 18 years old with primary, permanent, and/or mixed dentition.

Behavioral interventions implemented at individual, family, and community levels for caries prevention.

Reductions in caries increments.

Motivational interviewing was effective in three out of four reported studies, with ongoing trials aiming for more definitive results. Future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness of interventions and understanding the mechanisms underlying oral health behavior change.

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry (2018)

Shiqian Gao,

Hong Kong

Risk Factors of Early Childhood Caries among Young Children in Hong Kong: A Cross-sectional study

Cross-sectional study

3-year-old children in Hong Kong.

Distribution of a questionnaire to parents, including inquiries about oral health behaviors and socioeconomic background.

Early childhood caries (ECC) status recorded in dmft index.

Children with later tooth brushing initiation, higher snack-intake frequency, non-local birthplace, lower family income and mother’s education level, and non-domestic helper primary caretaker had a significantly higher chance of ECC.

Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects (2015)

Jain, India

Social and Behavioral Determinants for Early Childhood Caries among Preschool Children in India

Interventional study

Preschool children age 71 months or younger with early childhood caries (ECC)

Structured questionnaire administered to parents or caretakers.

Presence of early childhood caries (ECC) assessed using Gruebbel’s deft index.

Factors such as age, geographical location, duration of breast/bottle feeding, use of sweetened pacifiers, frequency of snacking, frequency of tooth brushing, the person responsible for child’s oral health care, and education level of parents were found to be significantly associated with ECC. The findings emphasize the importance of preventive efforts by healthcare professionals, family physicians, and parents in managing ECC.

Community Dental Health (2011)

Sonbul, Sweden

The effect of a modified fluoride toothpaste technique on buccal enamel caries in adults with high caries prevalence: a 2-year clinical trial

Clinical trial

Saudi adults with high caries prevalence

Modified fluoride (F) toothpaste technique, including specific instructions for toothpaste use. Control group instructed to continue using regular fluoride toothpaste without additional instructions.

Incidence and progression of buccal/lingual enamel caries.

The study found that the modified fluoride toothpaste technique led to a lower incidence of buccal/lingual enamel caries compared to the control group.

Tobacco Induced Diseases (2019)

Wu, China

The effect of smoking on caries-related microorganisms

Review

Adults (diverse populations including pregnant women)

Review of the impact of smoking on caries-related bacteria

Summarized the effect of smoking on caries-related bacteria.

Nicotine acts on oral bacteria. The components of cigarettes were found to promote the growth of cariogenic microorganisms, with nicotine enhancing the activity of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces, and Candida albicans while reducing the competitive capability of commensal bacteria like Streptococcus sanguinis.

Smoking also influences saliva by lowering its buffer capability, altering chemical agents and bacterial components, thereby promoting a caries-susceptible environment. Cigarette smoking and nicotine exposure promote the cariogenic activity of oral microorganisms and the formation of a caries-susceptible environment.

Social Science and Medicine (2014)

de Jong-Lenters, Netherlands

The relationship between parenting, family interaction and childhood dental caries: A case–control study

Case control study

Dutch children 5 to 8-year old.

Observation and assessment of parenting practices and parent–child interactions of the child’s primary caregiver. These interactions were evaluated using Structured Interaction Tasks and rated on seven dimensions: positive involvement, encouragement, problem-solving, discipline, monitoring, coercion, and interpersonal atmosphere. All tasks were videotaped and coded by trained and calibrated observers blind to the dental condition of the children.

Relationship between parenting practices, parent–child interaction, and childhood dental caries.

Significant association between parenting practices, parent–child interaction, and childhood dental caries. The study suggests that parenting practices may play an important role in caries preventive programs.

BMC Oral Health (2020)

Li, India

The status and associated factors of early childhood caries among 3- to 5-year-old children in Guangdong, Southern China: a provincial Cross-sectional study survey

Review

Preschool children aged 3 to 5 years old from Guangdong Province, Southern China.

Dental examinations were performed using the dmft (decayed-missing-filled tooth) index, and a structured questionnaire was administered to the parents or grandparents of the participants. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including general information, feeding and dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, and socioeconomic status.

Prevalence and severity of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and its association with reported oral health-related behaviors.

Initiating toothbrushing after 3 years of age and being exclusively or predominantly breastfed were associated with ECC prevalence, while being female and frequently consuming sweetened milk or powdered milk were associated with mean dmft.

The study emphasizes the significant burden of ECC among preschool children and underscores the importance of addressing demographics, oral health measures, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status, in ECC prevention efforts.

Strengthening oral health education and promotion, particularly in rural areas, is recommended to reduce disparities between urban and rural populations.

West Indian Medical Journal (2022)

Casanova-Rosado, Mexico

Toothbrushing Frequency and Maternal Schooling Associated with Caries in Primary Dentition in 6- and 7-year-old Children

Cross-sectional study

Schoolchildren aged 6 and 7 years in Campeche, Mexico

Demographic and socio-economic information, as well as oral hygiene practices and attitudes variables, were collected through questionnaires directed to the mothers of the children. Dental caries were detected using the World Health Organization criteria.

The study analyzed caries experience (decayed, missing, and filled teeth [dmft] average), prevalence (dmft > 0), and severity (dmft > 3 and dmft > 6) among the schoolchildren.

The prevalence of dental caries was found to be high, with one in two children affected. Oral hygiene practices, such as brushing frequency, were associated with dental caries. A mother’s positive attitude towards a child’s oral health was unexpectedly associated with increased prevalence and experience of caries.