Tendencia y factores asociados a la frecuencia de cepillado dental en menores de doce años, Perú 2013-2018 / Trend and factors associated with the frequency of tooth brushing in children under twelve years old, Peru 2013-2018

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar la tendencia y factores asociados al cepillado de dos o más veces por día en niños menores de doce años entre el 2013 y 2018 en Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante análisis secundario de datos reportados por la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar. Se consideró la información de niños con al menos un cepillado al día, considerando como «Adecuada Frecuencia de Cepillado Dental¼ (AFC) para quienes reportaban de dos a más; se generaron medidas porcentuales por ámbito geográfico, características sanitarias, de vivienda y hogar. Se determinaron los factores asociados a la AFC mediante regresión logística binaria para encuestas complejas, la variabilidad de la tendencia se identificó mediante regresión joinpoint con un 95% de confianza. Resultados. En el 2013, la AFC fue del 79,0% con un aumento a 83,9% para el 2018; se identificó que cuatro de 25 espacios geográficos se mantuvieron sin variación de AFC, y otros cuatro disminuyeron. Todas las características sanitarias mostraron favorecer el cepillado, destacándose que el no compartir el cepillo generó un OR de 2,30, IC 95%: 1,46 a 3,60. La región natural, el tipo de lugar de residencia y el quintil de riqueza afectaron la AFC; la AFC fue mayor según se incrementa el grupo etario. Conclusiones . El porcentaje de AFC ha aumentado en los últimos años, siendo influenciado favorablemente por los aspectos sanitarios; a nivel rural este porcentaje es significativamente menor, algo que también se evidencia en la región sierra.

ABSTRACT Objetivos. To determine the trend and factors associated with brushing two or more times per day in children under twelve years of age between 2013 and 2018 in Peru. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by secondary analysis of data reported by the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES). Information on children with at least one brushing per day was taken into account, considering as an "Adequate Toothbrushing Frequency" (ATF) for those who reported brushing two to more times per day. Percentage measures were generated by geographical area, health, housing, and household characteristics. Factors associated with an ATF were determined by using binary logistic regression for complex surveys, trend variability was identified by joinpoint regression with a 95% confidence. Results. In 2013, the ATF was 79.0%, increasing to 83.9% by 2018. Four out of 25 geographic areas were identified as having no variation on the ATF, and four others decreased. All sanitary characteristics showed favoring brushing, emphasizing that not sharing the toothbrush generated a 2.30 OR, 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.60. The natural region, type of place of residence, and wealth index quintile affected the ATF. The ATF was higher as the age group increased. Conclusions. The percentage of ATF has increased in recent years, being favorably influenced by health aspects; in rural areas, this percentage is significantly lower, something that is also evident in the Highland region.

¿Cuál es el nivel de contaminación del cepillo de dientes almacenado en diferentes entornos sanitarios? / What is the level of toothbrush contamination stored in different sanitary settings?

Introducción: Los cepillos pueden albergar una amplia variedad de microorganismos, incluyendo bacterias hongos y virus, pudiendo así facilitar la translocación de especies en un mismo individuo y la transmisión de especies entre individuos. Métodos: Estudio de la contaminación bacteriana de los cepillos de dientes de cien voluntarios con la cumplimentación de un cuestionario (lugar de almacenamiento, tipo de cepillo, utilización de estuche de almacenamiento y meses de uso). Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 100 muestras. El 33% guardaba el cepillo fuera del baño, un 20% lo guardaba en el cajón del baño y un 47% sobre el lavabo del baño. El 92% de las muestras estaban contaminadas como mínimo con un grupo de microorganismos Conclusión: El lugar de almacenamiento del cepillo de dientes es fundamental en la reducción de la contaminación. Se debe guardar en un lugar seco, lejos del inodoro y sin estuche

Introduction: Brushes can house a wide variety of microorganisms, including fungal bacteria and viruses, which can facilitate the translocation of species in the same individual and the transmission of species between individuals. Methods: Study of the bacterial contamination of toothbrushes of one hundred volunteers with the completion of a questionnaire (place of storage, type of brush, use of storage case and months of use). Results: A total of 100 samples were studied. 33% kept the brush outside the bathroom, 20% kept it in the bathroom drawer and 47% on the bathroom sink. 92% of the samples were contaminated with at least one group of microorganisms. Conclusion: The storage place of the toothbrush is fundamental in the reduction of contamination. It should be stored in a dry place, away from the toilet and without a box

[Trend and factors associated with the frequency of tooth brushing in children under twelve years old, Peru 2013-2018]. / Tendencia y factores asociados a la frecuencia de cepillado dental en menores de doce años, Perú 2013-2018.

OBJETIVOS.: To determine the trend and factors associated with brushing two or more times per day in children under twelve years of age between 2013 and 2018 in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A cross-sectional study was conducted by secondary analysis of data reported by the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES). Information on children with at least one brushing per day was taken into account, considering as an "Adequate Toothbrushing Frequency" (ATF) for those who reported brushing two to more times per day. Percentage measures were generated by geographical area, health, housing, and household characteristics. Factors associated with an ATF were determined by using binary logistic regression for complex surveys, trend variability was identified by joinpoint regression with a 95% confidence. RESULTS.: In 2013, the ATF was 79.0%, increasing to 83.9% by 2018. Four out of 25 geographic areas were identified as having no variation on the ATF, and four others decreased. All sanitary characteristics showed favoring brushing, emphasizing that not sharing the toothbrush generated a 2.30 OR, 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.60. The natural region, type of place of residence, and wealth index quintile affected the ATF. The ATF was higher as the age group increased. CONCLUSIONS.: The percentage of ATF has increased in recent years, being favorably influenced by health aspects; in rural areas, this percentage is significantly lower, something that is also evident in the Highland region.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la tendencia y factores asociados al cepillado de dos o más veces por día en niños menores de doce años entre el 2013 y 2018 en Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante análisis secundario de datos reportados por la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar. Se consideró la información de niños con al menos un cepillado al día, considerando como «Adecuada Frecuencia de Cepillado Dental¼ (AFC) para quienes reportaban de dos a más; se generaron medidas porcentuales por ámbito geográfico, características sanitarias, de vivienda y hogar. Se determinaron los factores asociados a la AFC mediante regresión logística binaria para encuestas complejas, la variabilidad de la tendencia se identificó mediante regresión joinpoint con un 95% de confianza. RESULTADOS.: En el 2013, la AFC fue del 79,0% con un aumento a 83,9% para el 2018; se identificó que cuatro de 25 espacios geográficos se mantuvieron sin variación de AFC, y otros cuatro disminuyeron. Todas las características sanitarias mostraron favorecer el cepillado, destacándose que el no compartir el cepillo generó un OR de 2,30, IC 95%: 1,46 a 3,60. La región natural, el tipo de lugar de residencia y el quintil de riqueza afectaron la AFC; la AFC fue mayor según se incrementa el grupo etario. CONCLUSIONES: . El porcentaje de AFC ha aumentado en los últimos años, siendo influenciado favorablemente por los aspectos sanitarios; a nivel rural este porcentaje es significativamente menor, algo que también se evidencia en la región sierra.

[Caries prevention in historical perspective. Oral hygiene]. / Serie: Cariëspreventie in historisch perspectief. Mondhygiëne.

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the ability to prevent caries has greatly improved. This is due to both increased knowledge about the origin of dental caries, and to the availability of effective aids to oral hygiene, such as fluoride toothpaste. The effect of oral hygiene on the general population has also risen because more and more people brush their teeth.

Trends in Children's Toothbrushing in the Czech Republic from 1994 to 2014: Results of the HBSC Study.

OBJECTIVE: Brushing one's teeth twice a day is the main self-care method to prevent the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study is to describe the trends in brushing teeth in 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old Czech children between 1994 and 2014. METHODS: One question about oral health from the HBSC study protocol was used in the six surveys (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014). Altogether, 21,170 answers from boys and girls were analyzed using statistical description and binominal logistic regression. RESULTS: The findings showed that the prevalence of brushing their teeth more than once a day increased throughout the twenty years, more so in boys, but a preventive programme is still needed to educate the 21-38% of those who brush their teeth less than twice a day. CONCLUSION: Although the recommended frequency of brushing their teeth has increased among Czech school-aged children, it still lags far behind the recommended twice-a-day regularity, especially among boys.

Influencia de parámetros clínicos sobre la severidad de la recesión gingival localizada / Clinical parameters related to severity of localised gingival recession

INTRODUCCIÓN: La recesión gingival localizada es un problema de salud bucodental fundamental porque su progresión conduce a la pérdida dentaria. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de distintos parámetros clínicos sobre la recesión gingival localizada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 40 pacientes con recesión gingival localizada en los que se analizaron diversos parámetros clínicos relacionados con la recesión gingival. Para la comparación de variables cuantitativas se utilizó el test de Student (t-Student) y para la de variables cualitativas el test chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS: En este estudio, según la clasificación de Miller, el 37,5% de los pacientes tenían recesiones de tipo I, el 60% de tipo II y el 2,5% restante, de tipo III. Los siguientes parámetros: edad, frecuencia de cepillado, tipo de cepillo, uso de colutorios y de seda dental, otros hábitos orales y el tratamiento de ortodoncia, no tienen influencia sobre la severidad de la recesión gingival (p > 0,05 en todos los casos). Presentan recesión gingival más severa, los varones (p = 0,03), los sujetos fumadores (p = 0,007) y los que tienen técnicas de cepillado horizontal (p = 0,02). En los cuatro momentos de seguimiento del estudio (inicial, 6, 12 y 18 meses), la profundidad de sondaje, la pérdida de inserción, el índice de placa y el índice de sangrado mejoraron a los 6 meses para luego empeorar en el resto de períodos. DISCUSIÓN: El sexo, el tabaco y la técnica de cepillado son los tres factores que tienen influencia sobre la severidad de la recesión gingival localizada en este estudio

INTRODUCTION: Localised gingival recession is a major problem of oral health because its progression leads to the dental loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible influence of different clinical parameters in localised gingival recession. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with localised gingival recession were studied. Data from several clinical parameters related to gingival recession were collected. RESULTS: In this study, 37.5% of patients had recessions of Miller's type I, 60% Miller's type II, and the remaining 2.5% of Miller's type III. Age, frequency of toothbrushing, toothbrushing technique, use of mouthwash and/or dental floss, other oral habits, and orthodontic therapy, have no influence on the severity of gingival recession (p > 0.05 in all cases). More severe gingival recession was observed in males (p = 0.03), smokers (p = 0.007) and those with horizontal toothbrushing techniques (p = 0.02). In the four follow-up periods of the study, probing depth, attachment loss, plaque index and bleeding index improved after 6 months and then got worse in the rest of the follow-up intervals. DISCUSSION: Gender, smoking and toothbrushing technique were the three factors that influenced the severity of localised gingival recession

Trends in toothbrushing in 20 countries/regions from 1994 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: For maintaining good oral health, twice-a-day toothbrushing routine is recommended world-wide. As an association between oral diseases and the main non-communicable diseases is confirmed, the importance of brushing is rising. The aim of this article is to describe trends in more-than-once-a-day toothbrushing frequency in 20 countries/regions participating in five consecutive HBSC Surveys between 1994 and 2010. METHODS: Eleven-, 13-, and 15-year-old children, who replied to the questionnaire in any of the five surveys, were included (N = 474 760). Trends were analysed by logistic regression and multilevel logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Prevalence of recommended toothbrushing behaviour increased in all countries except in Scandinavia, which had already attained a very high level in 1994. The highest increase (more than + 16%) was observed in Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Finland and in Flemish Belgium. Girls had higher prevalence of toothbrushing than boys (OR = 2.06, 99% CI 2.03-2.10). However, the increasing trend was stronger among boys (OR(2010 vs. 1994) for boys 1.60; for girls 1.48), and among the younger adolescents (OR(2010 vs. 1994) for 11-year-olds 1.64; for 15-year-olds 1.45). CONCLUSION: Recommended toothbrushing frequency increased in most of the studied countries/regions and differences between the countries diminished during 2004-2010.

Impact of oral care with versus without toothbrushing on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common hazardous complication in mechanically ventilated patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of toothbrushing as a component of oral care on the prevention of VAP in adult critically ill patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (up to April 2012) was conducted. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving oral care with toothbrushing. Relative risks (RRs), weighted mean differences (WMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed with the I(2) test. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 828 patients met the inclusion criteria. Toothbrushing did not significantly reduce the incidence of VAP (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.21) and intensive care unit mortality (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.10). Toothbrushing was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD, -0.88 days; 95% CI, -2.58 to 0.82), length of intensive care unit stay (WMD, -1.48 days; 95% CI, -3.40 to 0.45), antibiotic-free day (WMD, -0.52 days; 95% CI, -2.82 to 1.79), or mechanical ventilation-free day (WMD, -0.43 days; 95% CI, -1.23 to 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Oral care with toothbrushing versus without toothbrushing does not significantly reduce the incidence of VAP and alter other important clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously since relevant evidence is still limited, although accumulating. Further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.

Inequalities in toothbrushing among adolescents in Scotland 1998-2006.

The aim of this study was to examine trends in toothbrushing and inequalities in toothbrushing among girls and boys in Scotland between 1998 and 2006. A secondary aim was to investigate the association between the health promoting school (HPS) initiative and toothbrushing. Data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children 1998, 2002 and 2006 surveys were analysed using multilevel logistic regression for boys and girls aged 11, 13 and 15 years. Girls' twice-a-day toothbrushing increased with age while that of boys' remained stable. Toothbrushing increased significantly between 1998 and 2006 for all but 15-year-old girls. Family structure was significantly associated with toothbrushing for 11-year-old boys and 13-year-old boys and girls. Socio-economic inequalities in toothbrushing were significant for both boys and girls at all ages. Largest inequalities were seen among 13-year-old girls and 15-year-old boys. Inequalities persisted over time for all but 15-year-old boys who saw a significant reduction between 1998 and 2006. The HPS initiative in schools in deprived areas was associated with increased odds of twice-a day toothbrushing among 11-year-old boys and 15-year-old girls.

The importance and provision of oral hygiene in surgical patients.

The provision of mouth care on the general surgical ward and intensive care setting has recently gained momentum as an important aspect of patient care. Oropharyngeal morbidity can cause pain and disordered swallowing leading to reluctance in commencing or maintaining an adequate dietary intake. On the intensive care unit, aside from patient discomfort and general well-being, oral hygiene is integral to the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Chlorhexidine (0.2%) is widely used to decrease oral bacterial loading, dental bacterial plaque and gingivitis. Pineapple juice has gained favour as a salivary stimulant in those with a dry mouth or coated tongue. Tooth brushing is the ideal method of promoting oral hygiene. Brushing is feasible in the vast majority, although access is problematic in ventilated patients. Surgical patients undergoing palliative treatment are particularly prone to oral morbidity that may require specific but simple remedies. Neglect of basic aspects of patient care, typified by poor oral hygiene, can be detrimental to surgical outcome.

Caries prevalence and background factors in Swedish 4-year-old children - a 40-year perspective.

BACKGROUND: Periodic and well-controlled studies of caries and background factors are important for organizing dental care and how prevention should be addressed. AIMS: The aims of this study were to compare data on caries prevalence and background factors in 4-year-old children from 2007 with data collected periodically between 1967 and 2002 with the same methods and criteria, and to compare immigrant and non-immigrant children concerning caries prevalence and background factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in 4-year-old children living in Umeå, northern Sweden (n = 218), was performed. Caries recordings included both cavitated and non-cavitated caries lesion, and bite-wing radiographs were used on indications. Data on oral hygiene, use of fluorides, general health, and medication and sugar consumption were collected using the same questions and questionnaire as in the previous studies. RESULTS: In 2007, 38% of the children displayed caries compared to 46% in 2002. The distribution of decayed, missing, or filled surfaces-primary teeth values was statistically significantly different in 2007 compared to 2002 (P < 0.05). The intake frequency of sugary between-meal products was generally lower, and toothbrushing frequency was higher in 2007 compared with data from the 2002 study. In children with immigrant background, the frequency of toothbrushing was statistically significantly lower, and snacking was more common (P < 0.05). Sixteen per cent had immigrant background and 59% had caries compared to 32% in the rest of the cohort (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Important changes in caries prevalence of 4-year-old children have taken place since 2002 concurrently with a decreased intake of sugary between-meal products and increased toothbrushing frequency. Immigrant background had a significant association with caries prevalence in 2007.

Importancia del cepillado antes de acostarse en la prevención de la caries. Estudio en una población infantil / The importance of night tooth brushing before sleeping in the prevention of dental caries. Study on childhood population

En el presente trabajo nos planteamos si sería imprescindible el cepillado tres veces al día y, en caso contrario, en qué momento del día sería más importante la eliminación mecánica de la placa. Para ello, se planteó un estudio transversal correspondiente a 214 escolares de 6-12 años en el periodo comprendido en el curso 2004-5. A cada niño se le practicó el “Examen parcial o tipo III” recomendado por la Federación Dental Internacional, como procedimiento estándar para un estudio de prevalencia de caries. Hemos obtenido los siguientes resultados: 1. El cepillado de dientes antes de acostarse es un factor protector de la presencia de caries, siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 0.339 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [0.159; 0.722]). 2. El consumir azúcar más de una vez una vez al día tiene más riesgo de aparición de caries que si consumen una vez al día, siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 1.998 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [1.090; 3.665]). 3. Los niños que acuden a un colegio público tienen más riesgo de presentar caries que los que asisten a un colegio privado. Siendo el correspondiente odd-ratio ajustado de 2.019 (intervalo de confianza al 95% [1.105; 3.691]). 4. Se cumplen en la población estudiada los objetivos marcados sobre caries dental por la OMS para el año 2000 (AU)

In the present study we are questioning if the three time a day tooth brushing is really essential and if it is the opposite case, what time of the day would be most important for mechanical elimination of dental plaque. For this purpose we have planed a transversal study on 214 pupils aged 6 to 12 years in the period of 2004-05 scheduled school coarse. On each of them was applied the “Partial Exam type III” which is recommended from International Dental Federation and which is considered as standard procedure on prevalence of dental caries study. We obtained following results: 1. Tooth brushing by night before sleeping is a favourable protection factor from dental caries, being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 0.339 (interval of confidence is 95% [0.159; 0.722]). 2. Consuming the sugar more than one time a day causes higher risk for dental caries apparition than one time a day consumption of sugar, being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 1.998 (interval of confidence is 95% [1.090;3.665]). 3. The children attending public schools have higher risk of dental caries presence than the children attending private schools being correspondent odd-ratio adjusted on 2.019 (interval of confidence is 95% [1.105;3.691]). 4. The objectives on dental caries marked from WHO are carried out on the studied population (AU)

Evolución de la prevalencia de caries en una población infantil de Móstoles entre 1988 y 1997 / No disponible

El objetivo del estudio es conocer la prevalencia de caries en una población infantil de Móstoles y los factores asociados. Hemos realizado un estudio descriptivo transversal en 363 escolares de 6 años de edad, en los colegios de la zona de influencia del Centro de Salud San Fernando (Móstoles). Se realizó una revisión odontológica en 1997 según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se recogieron variables de estado dental, sociodemográficas y de frecuencia de cepillado. Se compararon los resultados con los obtenidos en la revisión del año 1988 en esos mismos centros escolares. Resultados. La prevalencia de caries en dentición temporal es del 24,6% y en dentición permanente del 1,1%. En el análisis univariante los escolares revisados en el año 1988 tienen un OR de sufrir caries de 3,48 respecto a los revisados en 1997 y los escolares de clase social baja tienen OR de 1,61 (IC95% 1,19-2,17) respecto a los de clase media-alta. Conclusión. La prevalencia de caries ha disminuido en la población infantil de Móstoles entre 1988 y 1997. El declinar de la caries se asocia a un mejor nivel socioeconómico. La frecuencia de cepillado ha aumentado en este periodo pero en nuestro estudio no se asocia con la disminución de la prevalencia de caries (AU)

The objective of study to asses the prevalence of caries and related factors in the infant population of Móstoles. We conducted a crossover descriptive in 363 six years old schoolchildren in Schools included in the San Fernando Health Center influence area We conducted a dental exploration using the World Health Organization criteria. Variables such as dental state teeth brushing habits, and social-demographic aspects were collected. Results for year 1997 were compared to those obtained in the same schools in year 1988.The prevalence of caries in 1997 for deciduous dentition is 24.6% and for permanent dentition 1.1%. The non adjusted analysis shows that the schoolchildren revised in 1988 have an OR for suffering caries of 3.48 compared to those studied in 1997. Low social class is also a risk factor for caries OR=1.61(IC95% 1.19-2.17) with respect to median-high class. In conclusion, the prevalence of caries in the infant population of Mostoles has decreased between 1988 y 1997. This reduction is related to an improvement in the social class of the scholars. The frequency of teeth brushing has also improved during this period but is not associated to the decrease in the prevalence of caries in this work (AU)

Dental caries, sugar-eating habits and toothbrushing in groups of 4-year-old children 1967-1997 in the city of Umeå, Sweden.

Four-year-old children in the city of Umeå, northern Sweden, have been the subjects for studies of dental caries at regular intervals between 1967 and 1997. Similar methods and criteria were used in all studies and the children were selected from the same catchment areas. The results of this study signified a shift in the trend towards a declining caries prevalence among 4-year-old children. There was a slight non-significant increase in the number of children with caries as well as in the mean dmft and dmfs values between 1992 and 1997. The mean dmfs value was 7.8 in 1967 and declined to 4.5 in 1971. It was 2.9 in 1976 and 2.0 in 1980 and 1987, 1.8 in 1992 and increased to 2.0 in 1997. Ten percent of the children were immigrant or refugee children in 1997 compared to 6% in 1992 and they had a significantly higher caries prevalence than children with a Swedish background (p<0.001). In 1997, 58% of the children had one or more daily intakes of sugary snacks such as buns, cakes sweets, soft drinks, etc. There was an increasing consumption of sweets and soft drinks between 1987 and 1997.

Impact of improved toothbrushes on dental diseases. I.

This review consists of a short history of toothbrush efficacy trials plus recent literature on test methods of newer brush designs. Effects of handle size, bristle trim arrangement and size, brush head design, and brushing methods are considered. Methods for detecting and measuring plaque, particularly on critical surfaces, are reviewed, as are the influence of brushing time, method, and exerted force. Testing protocols, including plaque indices, tooth selection, and subject compliance, can produce large differences in results. Testing conditions must be carefully selected and controlled to obtain reproducible results.

Trends in toothbrushing frequency among Finnish adolescents between 1977 and 1995.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse trends in development of the toothbrushing frequency of Finnish adolescents and the socio-economic factors associated with these trends between 1977 and 1995. DESIGN: The data were collected as part of a nation-wide research programme, the Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Survey, which started in 1977. Since then a 12-page questionnaire has been sent every other year. Dental health behaviour was studied from the outset. SUBJECTS: The sample represented 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-year-old children and adolescents in Finland. The sample size varied between 3,205-10,626, making a total of 66,687 participants. OUTCOME MEASURES: The recommended toothbrushing frequency, twice-a-day, was studied. The socio-economic factors included age, gender, self-assessed school performance, level of education, socio-economic status of the householder, and socio-economic category of the residential area. RESULTS: Among boys, daily toothbrushing increased from 1977 to 1995, but among girls it remained stable. Among boys, the prevalence of twice-a-day toothbrushing frequency varied from 13 per cent to 25 per cent between the ages of 12 and 18 years, and among girls from 32 per cent to 60 per cent, respectively. Among 12- to 14-year-old boys, the socio-economic differences almost disappeared. There were no changes among 12- to 14-year-old girls but there was an unexpected declining trend in toothbrushing among 16- to 18-year-old girls. Apparently further improvement in the toothbrushing frequency of girls had stopped. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a clear trend towards improvement of toothbrushing frequency among boys, their toothbrushing frequency still lagged far behind that of girls.

Trends in toothbrushing and utilization of dental services in Finland.

Prevention and control of common dental diseases highly depends on individual behavior, and during the last decades, individuals have increasingly been required to take responsibility for their own oral health. In Finland the rate of toothbrushing and dental visits were first surveyed nationwide in 1971 by interviews with a sample of 1063 individuals, drawn to represent the total population aged 15 yr and over. At the time, 68% of the 829 dentulous interviewees claimed to brush at least once a day. Using another sample of 1006 interviewees, drawn in the same manner, in 1990 the brushing rate was found to have increased to 91% in 853 dentulous subjects. Daily brushing was more frequent among women (98%) than men (83%). The most distinct positive change regarding brushing frequency was found among men and those with only elementary education. In 1971 the interval between the two most recent dental visits was 1 yr or less for 44% of all the interviewees and for 25% it was more than 5 yr. In 1990, 53% of the interviewees had visited a dentist within a year and the visiting interval was more than 5 yr for 16%. The youngest subjects were the most frequent visitors: 60% of them in 1971 and 74% in 1990. The results indicate a clear trend toward more frequent brushing in Finland. However, this trend regarding dental visits does not seem to be equally remarkable.

Descoloraçäo de cerdas impregnadas com corantes como medida da durabilidade de escovas dentais / Fading of bristles impregnated with dyes as measurement of toothbrush's durability

As escovas dentais têm durabilidade limitada e perdem sua efetividade com a deformaçäo das cerdas. A perda gradual de um corante adicionado intencionalmente a um conjunto de cerdas da escova dental pode ser um método efetivo e facilmente detectado como indicador do momento de substituiçäo deste equipamento utilizado para a higiene bucal