[Oral health and hygiene status in galician schoolchildren]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the oral health and hygiene status in 12 year-old Galician schoolchildren.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1267 schoolchildren. The fieldwork was carried out in the 2010-2011 academic year. Information regarding socio-demographic status, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices was obtained through a structured self-report questionnaire given to the children at school. Dental examination to evaluate plaque and caries was carried out according to World Health Organization criteria. The prevalence and mean with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and logistic regression models were ajusted.

Results: Out of a total of 1045 pupils who participated in the study, 35% showed incorrect removal of dental plaque, and the prevalence of caries was 39.3%. Those who belonged to a lower socioeconomic group showed a higher prevalence of caries. Those who brushed their teeth daily had better oral hygiene.

Conclusions: Educational programmes need to be designed and implemented in order to improve dental health and hygiene.

Keywords: Amount of toothpaste; Cantidad de dentífrico; Caries dental; Cepillado dental; Dental caries; Escolares; Oral health; Salud oral; Schoolchildren; Tooth-brushing.