title: [The duration and efficiency of toothbrushing in 4- to 6-year old children].
abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish a practical and effective toothbrushing time for the pre-schoolchildren, by answering a very frequent questions made by the responsible for the young patients. 120 children brushed their teeth under supervision for predetermined times of 3, 5, 8 and 10 min. No specific technique was recommended. Oral hygiene indexes were scored prior to the brushing procedure. Although the 8 and 10 min. brushing times were effective in removing debris from the surface of the teeth they proved to be detrimental to the integrity of gingival tissues. The 3 min. brushing period was insufficient, while the 5 min. period was highly safe and effective. It was recommended that for the success of oral hygiene for the pre-schoolchild, the teeth should be brushed for 5 min. under supervision at least once a day.
authors: Fac. de Odontología, Univ. Federal de Pemambuco.
authors: V I
authors: VI
authors: dos Santos
authors: N T
authors: NT
authors: Lascala
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Ando
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Korytnicki
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing
vernacular_title: Estudo clínico experimental relativo à duração e eficiência da escovação dentaria em crianças de 4 a 6 anos de idade.