Frequency of tooth brushing and associated factors in Mexican schoolchildren six to nine years of age

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of daily tooth brushing and evaluate some variables associated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 320 schoolchildren six to nine years old in Campeche, Mexico. Information on sociodemographic and socio-economic variables, oral hygiene practices and attitudes were collected through a questionnaire. The frequency of tooth brushing was categorized as "0" = fewer than seven times/week, "1" = at least once a day. In the analysis, nonparametric tests were used.

RESULTS

Mean age was 6.99 +/- 1.00 years, 52.5% were boys. The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was 81.6%. In bivariate analysis, the prevalence of tooth brushing was higher (p < 0.05) among the children of mothers with higher schooling (9.80 years vs 8.47 years, p < 0.05), and in younger children (84.6% in 6-7-year olds vs 71.2% in 8-9-year olds, p < 0.05). A slight, non-significant association (p < 0.10) was noted between the current frequency of tooth brushing and an earlier age when the child first started brushing with toothpaste. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the frequency of tooth brushing by gender or by the mother's attitude toward the oral health of her child.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was high compared to other studies. Mother's maximum level of schooling (as an indicator of socio-economic position) was associated with higher frequency of tooth brushing. Maternal characteristics are associated with the oral health behaviour of their children.