Evaluation of the tooth brushing skills in children aged 6-12 years

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the tooth brushing skills in children aged between 6 and 12 years and its relation with age, type of grip used, duration of brushing and gender.

Method: A total of 105 children aged between 6 and 12 years were divided into seven groups and their plaque scores, type of grip used and duration of brushing were assessed.

Results: The most preferred grip was the distal oblique (58.1 %). Oblique, distal oblique and power grips were more efficient (plaque reduction up to 70 %). Plaque removal efficacy improved with age (57 % in 6-year-olds and 82 % in 12-year-old children). Plaque reduction was greater when the duration of brushing was longer (82 % plaque reduction when the brushing time was >2.5 min). Overall, the mean duration of tooth brushing in children aged 6-12 years was 1.71 min (103 s).

Conclusions: Tooth brushing skills improved with age and the duration of tooth brushing made a significant difference to the oral hygiene status of the child. The type of grip used and gender did not influence tooth brushing ability in this group of children. Tooth brushing skills were low in children younger than 10 years of age. Hence, parental supervision is considered necessary and recommended until 10 years of age.