The effect of frequency of tooth brushing on the gingival status among 10-13 years old school children in Dohuk

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of gingivitis and the effect of tooth brushing on the gingival health among school children in the city of Dohuk.
Materials and Methods: Four hundred school children, 190 males and 210 females were examined. Plaque and gingival indices, and the frequency of tooth brushing for each child were recorded.
Results and Conclusions: The results of this study showed that 98.7 % of the school children examined had gingivitis, with different severities. 45 % of them did not brush at all and 55 % of them brushed their teeth with different frequencies. Those school children who brushed more had less mean of plaque and gingival scores.
Key words: Plaque, gingivitis, tooth brushing. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2006; 18(3)48-50)