The Relation between Frequency of Toothbrush Replacement in a Year and Dental Caries Prevalence of Grade IV and V Students of Jember Kidul 04 Elementary School

Abstract

Introduction: The most common dental and oral disease of human is caries. It is suffered by adults as well as children. Toothbrush is mechanical tool that is considered to be the most effective way to clean the plaque. However, the effectiveness of brushing teeth depends on the shape of toothbrush as well as its methods, regularity, and duration. One of the most important things in brushing teeth of children is replacing the toothbrush regularly every three months in order to maintain its ability to clean the teeth. Frequency and regularity of toothbrush replacement is a behavior affecting the condition of oral hygiene, the quantity of caries, and periodontal disease. Objective: This research was conducted to observe the relation between the frequency of toothbrush replacement in a year and the caries prevalence of students of grade IV and V SDN at Jember Kidul 04 Elementary School. Methods: The method used in this research was Observational Research Analysis with cross-sectional approach. The sample of this research was the students of grade IV and V SDN Jember Kidul 04, Kaliwates Jember. Caries examination was conducted on deciduous as well as permanent teeth by using def-t and DMF-T index, and OHI-S index for oral hygiene examination. Data of frequency of the student's toothbrush replacement in a year was collected by filling in questionnaire. Result and Conclusion: There is a relation between toothbrush replacement frequency and oral hygiene and caries of deciduous teeth, but there is no relation between toothbrush replacement frequency and caries of permanent teeth.