Oral Hygiene And Dental Health - 1182 Words

Abstract This paper discusses scholarly articles that discuss various interventions, to improve oral health in children of all ages. There is research conducted that shows 1 out of 6 children experience a toothache each year. There were various interventions implemented throughout schools, and for parents with young children. Each intervention had similar effects and research shows that they were very effective in increasing knowledge on oral hygiene and dental health. This paper also discusses those various interventions and the results from those interventions. The presence of cavities in childhood is known to be the best predictor in tooth decay within a lifespan (Blake, Dawett, Leighton, Brady, Deery 2015.)†¦show more content†¦All the children in the selected classes participated in the oral health session. (Blake, et al 2015) The intervention was informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and consisted of a single based interactive educational system. The content included in this session was based on the current use of fluoride and evidence based resources for dental hygiene. This was aimed at educating children about oral health, and promoting positive oral health behaviors. (Blake, et al 2015) The results within the study showed that the children’s dental knowledge increased significantly immediately following the intervention. This was shown by children improving their knowledge on six items from baseline to immediate follow-up. This article also mentions how dental diseases and complications can be costly to i ndividuals and society, and therefore preventive measures such as this intervention are globally advocated. (Blake et al, 2015) In another article it was shown that cavities are continuing to be the most common childhood disease in the U.S. affecting over 40% of 5-year-old children. Poor oral health and cavities can have various effects on children, including frequent pain, effect on a child’s behavior, and an overall effect on the quality of life. (Albert, Barracks, Bruzelius, Ward). This article goes onto discuss the intervention that was implemented. This intervention is similar to the intervention discussed above, due to it being solely