title: The development of a toothbrushing programme at a school for children with moderate and severe learning difficulties.
abstract: A toothbrushing programme was established in a school for children aged 3 to 19 years with moderate and severe learning difficulties. Toothbrushes were provided and the importance of using the school staff to help and encourage the children to brush their teeth on a daily basis was emphasized. The early improvement in oral cleanliness was maintained after a period of fourteen months. Analysis of the data was undertaken using the unpaired t-test for mean debris scores. Significant differences compared with the baseline scores were recorded on three occasions. The programme is continuing.
authors: East Dorset Health Authority, Community Health Services, Unit Headquarters, Bournemouth.
authors: H D
authors: HD
authors: Lunn
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities; D008297:Male; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D014099:Toothbrushing