Changes in Cariogenic Bacteria and Oral Hygiene Following Toothbrushing of Preschooler

Objectives: This study would investigate the state of changes in oral hygiene and cariogenic bacteria by continuing education of tooth brushing for preschool children.
Methods: From October 1, 2016 through October 31, 2017, this study conducted education with 27 children of preschool age in the Daycare Center attached to D. University in B. City; Once every two weeks from the initial education to the fifth month and once a month from the sixth month to the last education. At each time of education, using disclosing solution, a Quigley-Hein Index test was conducted, and the time of tooth brushing was measured. For an analysis of cariogenic bacteria, the saliva was collected three times during the entire education period, and changes were checked, using real-time PCR.
Results: As for Quigley-Hein Index, change significantly decreased from the baseline to the fifth month (p<.032), and changes from the sixth month to the 12th month (p<.014) significantly decreased as well. As for the time of tooth brushing, changes from the baseline to the fifth month significantly increased (p<.001), and changes from the sixth month to 12th month (p<.009) significantly increased as well. As for cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, from the baseline to the fifth month, Streptococcus mutans (p<.049) and Latobacillus acidophilus (p<.042) significantly decreased; however, changes from the sixth month to 12th month tended to decrease, but it was not statistically significant. There was no difference in changes in Streptococcus sobrinus from the baseline to the final test.
Conclusions: Even though the above study has limitations, it was found that the continuing education of tooth brushing had significant impacts on preschool children’s behavioral changes. In addition, it was found that there were changes in Quigley-Hein Index, the time of tooth brushing and cariogenic bacteria. Also, this study proved the importance and effect of the repeated education of tooth brushing before school attendance as a method for the prevention of dental caries, which has a high incidence rate during school age.