The effect of frequency of toothbrushing on oral health of 14-16 year olds.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of toothbrushing frequency on dental plaque, caries and periodontal condition in 14-16 year old students. A total of 2083 students selected from 20 schools enrolling 8th and 9th grades were investigated by a questionnaire and a clinical examination. All participants were examined for oral hygiene, dental caries and periodontal condition using Silness & Löe plaque index (Pl.l), decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces (DMFT/S) indices and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), respectively. It was revealed that about 49 per cent of males and 89 per cent of the females reported to brush their teeth on a regular basis. Such differences in toothbrushing frequency between the sexes were statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The mean (Pl.l) scores were lower in those who brushed than those who did not brush their teeth, with a significantly lower scores in females than in males (P = 0.0001). There were slight but nonsignificant differences in caries experience (MFT/S) amongst males and females as related to toothbrushing frequency (P = 0.121, 0.208 respectively). While bleeding on probing (43.0 per cent) was most prevalent in students who did not brush. Calculus scores were similar in all groups. The occurrence of shallow and deep pockets in students who brushed or didn't brush their teeth were minimal (6.6-8.4 per cent). The oral health status among those who did not brush or brushed their teeth on regular or irregular basis was found to be poor and slightly varied. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on proper oral hygiene. Also, implementation of school based oral health promotion and prevention programs is urgently needed.