title: Factors associated with reduced compliance of children to dental preventive measures.
abstract: The aim of this study was to record self-reported factors for non-compliance to 'dental home' preventive measures among pediatric patients, and to clarify whether number or frequency of recall appointments increases their long-term compliance to dental home. Children attending recall appointments in a pediatric dental clinic were interviewed regarding their compliance as well as factors for non-compliance with the previously recommended preventive measures. Files of 651 children were analyzed. A significant positive correlation was found between compliance with regular teeth brushing twice a day (p < 0.0001), using correct fluoride concentration toothpaste (p < 0.0001), drinking water between meals (p < 0.0001), using Elmex gel (p < 0.0001), flossing (p < 0.002) and number of recall appointments. The most common factor for non-compliance to 'dental home' was 'I forgot'. Not flossing was commonly justified by performance difficulty while non-compliance to Elmex gel or to mouth rinses was attributed mainly to 'bad taste'. Additional common reasons were 'it was finished', 'my parents did not purchase', 'I did not find it at home', 'I did not know I need to'. Frequency and number of recall appointments might improve compliance with dental preventive measures. Referring to the specific factors of personal non-compliance may increase compliance.
authors.affiliation: The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Malka.ashkenazi@gmail.com
authors.forename: Malka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ashkenazi
authors.forename: Mervat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bidoosi
authors.forename: Liran
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001628:Beverages / Q000145:classification; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003959:Diamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004326:Drinking / Q000502:physiology; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003959:Diamines; D009067:Mouthwashes; D014100:Toothpastes; C495399:Olaflur; D005459:Fluorides