Occurrence of plaque, gingivitis and caries as related to self reported frequency of toothbrushing in fluoride areas in Finland

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Abstract
Toothbrushing is generally recommended as one of the main means of preventing dental caries and periodontal problems. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the validity of such a claim. In three Finnish towns with low (0.2 part/106), optimal (1.0 part/106) and high (2.5 parts/106) fluoride content in their drinking water, about 40 schoolchildren were examined in each age group of 13, 14 and 15 years. A total of 365 children were first interviewed about their oral health habits, including frequency of toothbrushing. Their teeth were then scored for visible plaque (VPI), gingival bleeding (GBI) and past caries experience (DFS). The total mean scores for the children were VPI = 43 %, GBI = 40 %, and DFS = 14.5. Girls were found to brush more often than boys. About 50 % of the girls and only 10 % of the boys reported brushing their teeth more often than once daily. Among the girls the frequency of toothbrushing significantly increased from age 13 to 15. In all groups high frequencies of toothbrushing were associated with low VPI and GBI scores. No correlation was found between the frequency of toothbrushing and the DFS scores of the children. This lack of correlation persisted also after the total material was grouped according to sex, age, and fluoride content of drinking water. The results indicate that uncontrolled toothbrushing helps to prevent periodontal disorders but has no measureable effect on dental caries.