Original Article

Changes in brushing behavior of children in childcare facilities and their parents’ perception of oral health before and after the application of the audiovisual oral health education program

Su-Jung Lee1   Jong-Hwa Jang2,*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, Andong Science College
1Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Dankook University

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of the Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) on the change in the children’s brushing behavior and reduction in the dental plaque index (PI) and to identify changes in their parents’ perception of oral health. Methods: The OHEP was applied 44 children recruited from two childcare centers. We conducted a self-reported survey of the parents at baseline and evaluated the oral conditions of the children at baseline and after 5 weeks. Their brushing behavior was assessed once a week during the OHEP intervention period and daily at home thereafter. We measured the PI after a 12-week follow-up and performed repeated measures analysis of varience. Results: The average PI score of children significantly decreased at week 5 as compared to the baseline (1.90±0.53, p<0.001), despite a substantial increase in week 12 (2.67±0.08, p<0.001). OHEP was effective in reducing the PI score and modifying their brushing behavior. Conclusions: OHEP effectively modified the brushing the behavior of the children. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and expand a systematic oral health education program to promote self-management of oral health in children.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1.Changes in self-care behavior of tooth-brushing after applying OHEP for 4 weeks in children; Max = maxillary, Man = mandible