[Oral hygiene and gingival condition among 12-year-old children in the Brussels Region].
The study analyses oral hygiene and gingival status in a group of 12-yr-old children from the Region of Brussels. In 1998, a total of 496 children from eight selected schools participated in the sample. All children were interviewed about their socio-economic status and oral health care. Records of the plaque index and the gingival index were made. The mean plaque and gingivitis were 1.24 (+/- 0.03) and 1.32 (+/- 0.03), respectively. Seventy percent of the examined sites presented plaque and gingivitis. Privileged children showed lower means than non-privileged counterparts. Multiple linear regression showed that dental plaque was significantly associated to age, toothbrushing and appointment in case of discomfort or pain (P = 0.02). Age, gender, type of the toothbrush and use of dental floss were associated to gingivitis (P = 0.05). Daily home-based mechanical plaque removal is critical for the maintenance of gingival health and when efficiently performed it leads to remission of gingivitis. Dentists should be encouraged to give information and training on regular plaque removal to their patients.
Carvalho
J C
JC
Ecole de Médecine Dentaire et de Stomatologie Université Catholique de Louvain Av. Hippocrate, 15 1200 Bruxelles.
Van Nieuwenhuysen
J P
JP
D'Hoore
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class