Oral health behaviours in 12-year-olds. Association with caries and characteristics of the children?

Abstract

Objective: To explore frequency of tooth brushing, dental flossing, fluoride supplements and sugar snacking in 12-year-olds, and to study how these oral health behaviours were associated with background characteristics and caries prevalence. Material and methods: The study included 4779 children. Data were collected by clinical examination and questionnaires regarding oral health behaviours and child characteristics. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data were tested using Chi-square statistics and analyzed by logistic regression. The study was ethically approved. Results: Of the children, 81% brushed twice daily, 36% flossed once a week or more often, 39% used fluoride supplements daily and 48% consumed sugar between meals once a week or less often. Children who brushed twice daily more often flossed regularly, used fluoride daily and consumed sugar between meals less often than other children (p