RELATION BETWEEN CARIES ACTIVITY AND ORAL HYGIENE HABITS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

미취학아동의 우식활성과 구강위생습관의 상관성에 관한 연구

501 preschool children from 4 to 6 years were examined for their salivary reductase activity and caries experience by Resazurin Disc Test and dental examination respectively. We asked the parents about their children's oral hygiene habits, between-meal eating habits, and physical exercise habits by the questionnaire. Toothbrushing frequency had negative relation to salivary reductase activity and caries experience. Caries experience was low when parents did toothbrushing for children, when teeth were brushed at bedtime, and when fluoride toothpastes were used. Salivary reductase activity and caries experience were high in bread & cookies group, chocolates & candies group, milk & soft drink group, and fruits & vegetables group in order. Caries experience was high in case of irregular between-meal eating. Sweet food eating frequency had positive relation to caries experience. Caries activity was low in case of eating homemade non-sweet between-meals. Salivary reductase activity and caries experience were low when gum-chewing frequency was high. Salivary reductase activity and caries experience were high when the amount of physical exercise was low.