Relationship between the changes in plaque microbiota and the oral hygiene status during supervised toothbrushing in 6-year-old children

Abstract

Relevance. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque formation, where the number of opportunistic and acid-producing microorganisms can exceed the permissible values, and true pathogens may colonize the oral cavity. Mixed dentition is one of the critical periods in dentoalveolar system development. Thus, oral hygiene control in children is the main factor for dental disease prevention.Material and methods. Dental students of the Kirov State Medical University examined twenty 6-year-old children from kindergarten #35 in Kirov. The group brushed their teeth after lunch, initially supervised by students and then by a kindergarten teacher. The simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) score (Green, Vermillion, 1964) helped to assess oral hygiene status. The microbiological testing determined the total microbial count and periodontal pathogens by real-time PCR.Results. The first examination of children showed their oral hygiene level was poor before the supervised brushing. The total microbial count slightly exceeded the reference values. The hygiene index improved by 30% after two months of supervised brushing. The total microbial count decreased significantly (by 89%).Conclusion. Supervised toothbrushing in 6-year-old children for two months positively affects the hygiene and microbiological condition of the oral cavity, helps to reduce the plaque quantity and to change the microbial composition of the dental plaque, and, accordingly, lowers the caries risk and its complications in the future.