Braz Dent J 13(1) 2002 44 L.B. Freitas-Fernandes et al. Effectiveness of an Oral Hygiene Program for Brazilian Orphans Liana Bastos FREITAS-FERNANDES 1 Arthur Belem NOVAES Jr. 2 Alfredo Carlos Rodrigues FEITOSA 3 Arthur Belem NOVAES 2 1 Department of Periodontology, University of Lund, Malmö, Sweden 2 Department of Bucco-Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Traumatology and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil 3 Department of Periodontics, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a preventive oral hygiene program in a group of 7-11-year-old children living in an orphanage in Brazil. The program was based on professional tooth cleaning, as well as dental health information and oral hygiene instruction during a 6-month period. A total of 80 children were examined and 42 who had all first molars erupted were selected for the study. Clinical measurements were recorded at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Assessment of the efficacy of the program was based on plaque and gingivitis. At the final examination, the mean percentage of surfaces without visible plaque was 36.2% in the experimental group and 15.1% in the control group. These values were also reflected in improved gingival health. The test group showed bleeding upon probing from less than 20% of their interproximal areas, compared to 50% in the control group (p<0.01). The results of this study indicate improved oral health through the implementation of preventive programs among children who have never been exposed to preventive dental treatment and who are living under adverse social conditions. Key Words: schoolchildren, gingivitis, dental health education, oral hygiene program. Correspondence: Dra. Liana Freitas-Fernandes, Barão da Torre, 137, apto 802, 22411-001 Ipanema, RJ, Brasil. Tel: +55-21-2521-2150. E-mail: claudio.p.fernandes@ig.com.br ISSN 0103-6440 INTRODUCTION Dental research has greatly increased the under- standing of the etiology, prevention and treatment of dental disease. It has been shown that dental plaque is the predominant cause of gingivitis in man (1). The introduction of preventive dental care, including plaque removal, has been shown to decrease the level of gingi- vitis (2,3). Tooth brushing is still the most important factor in oral hygiene and maintaining the gingiva healthy (4). Dental flossing has been shown to have a better plaque-removing effect than the use of tooth- picks on the interproximal surfaces in adolescents (5). Behavior and attitudes of children are formed and developed from social, cultural, economic and ethnic factors throughout their lives. This process is also influenced by their knowledge of health and pre- vention of disease, including oral diseases (6). The absence of family support might also influence oral health behavior. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of a preventive program in a group of children, with health hazards, poverty and lack of education. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects The target population was children living in a Santo Antonio orphanage in the city of Niteroi, located 14 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Facilities in the orphanage were suitable with respect to supervi- sion and examination of the participants during the study. The children had never been taught the impor- tance of preventive measures and had not participated Braz Dent J (2002) 13(1): 44-48