Correlating Dental Caries with Tooth Brushing Frequency, Type of Toothpaste and Dental Visits
Abstract Aim: This study was done to evaluate correlation of Dental Caries status with frequency of tooth brushing, type of toothpaste and regular dental visits in children. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out randomly on 2500 school children of two age groups viz. 12 and 15 years, and caries examination was done using WHO (World Health organization) 1997 criteria in order to correlate with various risk factors viz. brushing frequency, use of fluoridated/non-fluoridated toothpaste and frequency of child's visit to dental clinic. Results: In both the age groups brushing frequency and type of toothpaste used insignificantly affected caries while evidence that frequency of child's visit to dental clinic reduces caries risk was also not substantial. Conclusion: The present study implicates that due to complex multifactorial nature of dental caries, its prevention still remains an enigma for the dental professional and society.