ABSTRACT
Objective To provide supporting evidence to prevention and controlling of caries in preschool children in Huangpu District(Eastern Part), by studying the influence of their habits at home on the prevalence of caries. Methods The oral health of preschool children in Huangpu District was examined, and their habits at home were recorded through survey questionnaire, including sugary diet, tooth brushing, parents′ attitude for oral health. Results Sugary diet could affect the prevalence of caries.There was no association between dental caries and times of tooth brushing.Parents′ attitude for oral health is the risk factor for the children′s caries. Conclusion Because of the higher prevalence of caries in the children in our district, effective measures should be taken.In addition, policy should consider how to ensure that children with high-risk dental caries receive adequate prevention and early care.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of prevention of dental caries in preschool children by family-based oral health management. Methods A total of 144 families with 3 years old children in Huangpu District were randomly divided equally into intervention group and control group.The intervention period was 2 years.Semi-annual oral health guidance was given to families in the intervention group(including oral examination, children′s deciduous teeth coating with fluoride, dental caries filling, oral health lectures for families, distribution of family oral health brochures, etc.)Families in the control group received annual oral examination.After the intervention, the parents completed their child′s oral health questionnaire. Results In the 2-year oral monitoring period, the incidence of dental caries in the intervention group and the control group was 9.72% and 22.22%, respectively within one year, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ2=4.19, P < 0.05).The incidence of dental caries was 12.50% and 36.11% within two years, and the difference between the two groups was also statistically significant(χ2=10.91, P < 0.01).Result of the questionnaire survey showed that children in the intervention group had better eating and oral health habits than the control group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P < 0.05). Conclusion Regular and professional family oral health management can effectively reduce the incidence of dental caries and improve the oral health in preschool children.