The Actual State of Oral Health Among Elementary School Students Based on Toothbrushing Habits and Multi-Item Saliva Testing

Abstract

     Oral health affects overall health. Few reports have used a simple multi-item saliva test to clarify the oral environment of children.

     Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the actual conditions of tooth brushing habits and the oral environment based on saliva testing (including cariogenic bacteria, acidity, buffering capacity, occult blood, leukocytes, protein, and ammonia) among elementary school students in grades 3 to 6.

     The participants were 88 students (participation rate: 54%) out of 163 third- to sixth-grade students whose parents and the students themselves provided consent. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to assess tooth brushing habits, and a multi-item saliva test “SillHa” was conducted to measure oral conditions.

     The results showed that 32 students (36.4%) brushed their teeth twice a day, and another 32 (36.4%) brushed their teeth three times a day. Forty-five students (51.1%) reported using a mirror while brushing and 29 (33.0%) used dental floss or interdental cleaners. In addition, 43 students (48.9%) reported visiting the dentist approximately once every three months for reasons other than dental caries, indicating a tendency toward regular dental checkups.

     In contrast, measurements using “SillHa” showed that the values for cariogenic bacteria, protein, and ammonia were significantly higher than the average scores. Although not directly verified in this study, the research was conducted during a period when mask-wearing was recommended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is conceivable that the environment in which the oral cavity was difficult to see may have had an impact. It was suggested that continuous guidance and support for maintaining good oral hygiene is significant during the school-age years, regardless of the presence or absence of dental caries.