Oral health in 4-year-old Swedish children

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to investigate the oral status of a group of 4-year-old children who had already been investigated as 3-year-olds 1 year previously. The children were examined for caries, gingivitis, extrinsic stains, supragingival calculus, signs of traumatic injury, occlusion, interdental spacing, and lactobacilli and C. albicans in plaque samples. The parents were interviewed regarding toothbrushing habits, fluoride prophylaxis, and oral habits in the children. The investigation was performed in association with a general physical examination of the children. Caries was demonstrated in 67 % of the children. The mean Gingival Index was 0.52. Lactobacilli in plaque were detected in 34 % of the children and C. albicans in 18 %. The children in whom lactobacilli were demonstrated had significantly more decayed surfaces than the other children. Various sucking habits were noted in 42 % and nocturnal grinding of the teeth in 28%. Most of the parents had received dental advice at the Child Health Centers, and 41 % had given their children fluoride tablets regularly for at least 2 years.