Promoting the oral health of schoolchildren is a crucial endeavor, especially in developing countries where access to dental care can be limited. A recent study titled "One-year oral health outcome of a community-based trial in schoolchildren aged 6–7 years old in Tehran, Iran" offers valuable insights into effective strategies for improving oral health in young children. Here’s how practitioners can apply these findings to enhance their skills and encourage further research.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 739 children aged 6-7 years old, with a follow-up after one year. The children were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention included a one-day workshop for parents and supervised toothbrushing for children. Here are some of the significant outcomes:
- Children in the intervention group had significantly better oral hygiene and fewer caries in deciduous molar teeth compared to the control group.
- There was a marginal improvement in the oral health-related attitudes of parents and the oral health behavior of children in the intervention group.
- The study highlighted the importance of supervised toothbrushing and parental involvement in improving children's oral health.
Implementing the Findings in Your Practice
As a practitioner, you can leverage these findings to enhance your approach to promoting oral health in school settings:
1. Organize Educational Workshops for Parents
Educating parents about the importance of oral hygiene and proper toothbrushing techniques is crucial. Consider organizing workshops that cover:
- The order of eruption of deciduous and permanent teeth.
- The concept of dental plaque and caries.
- Proper toothbrushing techniques, especially for the first permanent molars.
- The importance of supervised toothbrushing and proper nutrition.
2. Implement Supervised Toothbrushing Programs
Supervised toothbrushing programs in schools can significantly improve children's oral health. Ensure that:
- Children brush their teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste under supervision.
- Teachers and school staff are trained to supervise and guide children during toothbrushing sessions.
- Free toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste are provided to children.
3. Foster Collaboration Between Parents and Schools
Collaboration between parents and schools is essential for the success of oral health programs. Encourage parents to:
- Monitor their children's toothbrushing habits at home.
- Participate in school-based oral health activities and workshops.
- Provide feedback on their children's oral health progress.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is always room for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to:
- Conduct similar studies in different regions to compare results and identify best practices.
- Explore the long-term impact of supervised toothbrushing and parental education on children's oral health.
- Investigate additional factors that may influence the effectiveness of oral health programs, such as socioeconomic status and access to dental care.
By implementing these strategies and encouraging further research, practitioners can play a vital role in improving the oral health of schoolchildren. To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
One-year oral health outcome of a community-based trial in schoolchildren aged 6–7 years old in Tehran, Iran.
