ORAL HYGIENE IN RELATION TO CARIES DEVELOPMENT AND IMMIGRANT STATUS IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS

The purpose of this study was to describe oral hygiene factors in infa nts and toddlers living in Sweden with special reference to caries pre valence at 2 and 3 yr of age and to immigrant status. The study was de signed as a prospective, longitudinal study starting with 671 children aged 1 yr. At 3 yr, all the children were invited to a further examin ation. A total of 298 children, randomly selected from the original gr oup, were also examined at 2 yr. The accompanying parent was interview ed about the child's oral health habits. Children who were free of car ies at 3 yr had had their teeth brushed more frequently at 1 and 2 yr of age, had used fluoride (F)-toothpaste more often at 2 yr of age, an d had a lower prevalence of visible plaque at 1 and 2 yr of age than c hildren with caries. Immigrant children had had their teeth brushed le ss frequently, had used less F-toothpaste, and had a higher prevalence of visible plaque at 1 yr of age than nonimmigrant children. Early es tablishment of good oral hygiene habits and regular use of F-toothpast e seem to be important for achieving good oral health in pre-schoolchi ldren.