Factors Associated with Reduced Children Compliance to Dental Preventive Measures

Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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 high 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 didn't purchase ', ‘I didn't find it at home', 'I didn't know I need to". Conclusion: Frequency and number of recall appointments might improve compliance with dental preventive measures. Referring to the specific factors of personal non-compliance, as well as using simple educational measures during the recall appointments, may increase compliance.