Relationships among snack habits, oral health practice, and oral health status in preschool children

Eun-Gyeong Lee1,*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, Jeonbuk Science College

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships among snack habits, oral health practice, and oral health status in preschool children. Methods: The subjects were 209 preschool children and their mothers in Jeonbuk from March 24 to May 30, 2014. The study instruments comprised snack habits, oral health practice, and oral health status. Data were analyzed for independent t-test, one way ANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression using SPSS Win 21.0 version. Results: Higher dft index was shown in the older age (p=0.033), lower mother’s education (p<0.001), lower mother’s daily toothbrushing (p<0.001), check-up after tooth-brushing (p<0.001), tooth-brushing practice before sleeping (p<0.001), tooth-brushing practice after snack (p<0.001), regular dental check-up (p<0.001), fluoride and sealant for prevention caries (p<0.001), limitation of sugar snack intake (p<0.007), periodic replacement toothbrush (p=0.022). The cause of higher dft index included soda (p<0.001), yogurt (p<0.001), snack (p=0.002), bread and cake (p=0.002) and caramel and candy (p<0.001). Fruit (p<0.001), vegetable (p<0.001) and milk (p=0.004) decreased dft index. Factors affecting oral health status were tooth-brushing practice before sleeping, tooth-brushing practice after snack, regular dental check-up, fluoride and sealant for prevention caries, and intake of soda, yogurt, caramel, candy, and fruit. The explanation power of the final model was 67.6%. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop the oral health education program for the preschool children and mothers to enhance the best oral health condition.

Figures & Tables

Table 1. Oral health status by general characteristics (N=209)