Dental floss use among elementary school children and environmental factors; a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Pediatric dental journal Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 78 - 83
• Main Authors: Toyama, Takahisa, Furukawa, Yumi, Hayashi, Yuki, Araki, Mami, Nakano, Takashi, Fukuta, Osamu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2019
• Subjects: Dental floss; Dentistry; Elementary school children; Interdental cleaning device; Questionnaire; Interdental cleaning device; Dental floss; Questionnaire; Elementary school children
• ISSN: 0917-2394; 1880-3997
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pdj.2019.04.003

AbstractBackgroundThe onset of carious lesions and periodontal disease originates in plaque formed from dental bacteria. Appropriate plaque control is therefore important. Dental floss is one instrument used to control plaque. The influence of guardians is an important factor in whether children use dental floss regularly. However, the use of dental floss among school-age children and the relationship between use and family background has yet to be examined.AimIn this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey to examine rates of dental floss use and other related factors among elementary school children and their guardians.MethodsSurveys were sent to 298 guardians of children in grades 1–6 at an elementary school in Japan and 283 valid responses were received. Statistical analyses were carried out, with child’s use of dental floss as a dependent variable and grade, sex, guardian assistance with child's tooth brushing, frequency of child’s dental check-ups, and guardian's use of dental floss as independent variables.ResultsThe results revealed that 18.4% of children used dental floss compared with 52.7% of guardians, suggesting that the rate of usage among children is much lower than that among guardians. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that guardian's use of dental floss was significantly related to dental floss use among children.ConclusionThe guardian's use of dental floss was associated with dental floss use among their children in this group of Japanese elementary school.