RESUMO
This study evaluated the effects of a new oral hygiene training program on approximal caries in a population of 12-13-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren with a well-established habit of daily toothbrushing with a F dentifrice. Two hundred twenty-two children were randomly allocated into two test groups (I and II) and one control group (III). Group I subjects were trained to establish needs-related oral hygiene habits based on self-diagnosis and a new behavioral principle, the 'linking method', for establishment of habits. The first three visits (20 minutes each) were scheduled at two-day intervals. They were recalled for a monthly check-up during the first 4 months, and then every 3 months for reevaluation of the results based on self-diagnosis. Group II subjects were recalled at the same intervals for detailed oral hygiene instruction on how to clean every tooth surface using dental tape, toothbrush, and fluoride dentifrice. Group I developed significantly fewer (p < 0.001) new approximal manifest (dentin) caries lesions than groups II and III. The mean values (SEM) were 2.3 (0.29), 4.7 (0.59), and 5.3 (0.68), respectively. The conclusions from our study are: In a toothbrushing population using fluoride dentifrices and fluoridated drinking water, the oral hygiene training program with behavioral modification significantly reduced caries incidence on approximal surfaces. Frequent repetition of training in meticulous oral hygiene is almost redundant.
Assuntos
Cárie Dentária/prevenção & controle , Educação em Saúde Bucal/métodos , Higiene Bucal/educação , Adolescente , Análise de Variância , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criança , Índice CPO , Cárie Dentária/epidemiologia , Índice de Placa Dentária , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Incidência , Masculino , Prevalência , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
The effect upon dental health knowledge and dental health behavior of a comprehensive and a less comprehensive preventive program was compared in a 3-yr follow up study. The comprehensive program included active participation of the students and parental involvement. The study group consisted of 186 Brazilian schoolchildren 13 yr of age at the start of the program. A reference group from another school of similar socioeconomic level was included in the analyses. The data were collected from questionnaires filled in by the children under surveillance after the completion of the program. Significant differences in knowledge as well as in reported behavior were observed. The children enrolled in the comprehensive program in general scored higher in dental health knowledge than did those in the less comprehensive program. However, the latter group of children seemed to have acquired more correct knowledge during the period than had the control and reference children. Similar results were obtained concerning reported dental health behavior.
Assuntos
Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Educação em Saúde Bucal , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Higiene Bucal/educação , Adolescente , Brasil , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Cárie Dentária/etiologia , Comportamento Alimentar , Feminino , Gengivite/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Higiene Bucal/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in Brazilian schoolchildren, and its possible correlation with caries prevalence. A positive correlation between different levels of S. mutans and caries prevalence was observed, individuals with high levels of S. mutans (greater than 100 colonies) had a DMFS significantly higher than those with low or no detectable S. mutans (0, 1-20, 21-40 colonies).