title: Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P<0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P<0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P<0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. kkole@oauife.edu.ng
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kolawole
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Oziegbe
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Bamise
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*