December 2017

Volume 34, Issue 4

Supervised toothbrushing programs in primary schools and early childhood settings: A scoping review

Authors: Virginia Dickson-Swift Amanda Kenny Mark Gussy Andrea M de Silva Jane Farmer Stacey Bracksley-O’Grady
doi: 10.1922/CDH_4057Dickson-Swift18

Abstract

Objective: In this article we report the findings of a scoping review that aimed to identify and summarise the range of programs and guidelines available for toothbrushing programs in schools and early childhood settings. Dental caries is one of the most common preventable diseases affecting children worldwide. Untreated caries can impact on child health and wellbeing, development, socialisation and school attendance. Supervised toothbrushing programs in schools and other early childhood settings can be effective in improving the oral health of young children. There is limited understanding of the salient issues to consider when developing such programs or how they are best implemented in real world settings. Methods: A scoping review methodology was utilised to provide a summary of the guidelines and programs available. Key search terms were developed, mapped and utilised to identify guidelines and programs across 6 databases and key search engines. Results: We located 26 programs and guidelines that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the review. These were collated and summarised across key countries and critical aspects of program development and implementation were identified. Toothbrush type and storage, toothpaste strength and method of dispensing, toothbrush storage, staff training and parental consent are key considerations that varied widely. Conclusions and recommendations: Guidelines for supervised toothbrushing programs vary within and across countries due to differences in water fluoridation and availability of low fluoride toothpastes. The results of this review provide critical information to be considered when establishing and implementing toothbrushing programs in these settings. Keywords: Toothbrushing program, toothbrushing guidelines, toothbrushing standards, toothbrushing protocol, scoping review

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Other articles in this issue

Article Pages Access
Editorial 192-192 Download
Oral health survey of five-year-olds 2014/15: Have strategies for increasing the levels of parental consent in Bradford been effective? 193-195 Download
Factors supporting dentist leaders´ retention in leadership 196-202 Download
Dental status in nursing home residents with domiciliary dental care in Sweden 203-207 Download
Supervised toothbrushing programs in primary schools and early childhood settings: A scoping review 208-225 Download
Investigating socioeconomic position in dental caries and traumatic dental injury among children in Quebec 226-233 Download
The interaction effects between race and functional disabilities on the prevalence of self-reported periodontal diseases - National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 234-240 Download
Finnish dentists find smoking cessation important but seldom offer practical support for their patients 241-247 Download
Examiner calibration in caries detection for populations and settings where in vivo calibration is not practical 248-253 Download
Correspondence to Editor 254-254 Download

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