KA Kolawole EO Oziegbe CT Bamise Authors’ affiliations: KA Kolawole, EO Oziegbe, Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria CT Bamise, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Correspondence to: KA Kolawole Department of Child Dental Health Faculty of Dentistry Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife 220005 Nigeria Tel.: +2348037234721 E-mail: kkole@oauife.edu.ng, topkol2001@yahoo.com Dates: Accepted 21 April 2010 To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene 9, 2011; 143–148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00466.x Kolawole KA, Oziegbe EO, Bamise CT. Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children. Ó 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children Abstract: Background: Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases. Objective: To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children. Methods: Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI). Results: Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P < 0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P < 0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health. Conclusions: Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential. Key words: children; gingivitis; oral hygiene; toothbrushing Introduction Bacterial plaque is the primary aetiologic agent in the development of periodontal disease and dental caries which have been the most common diseases afflicting the human mouth (1). Plaque is a tenaciously adherent deposit that forms on all tooth surfaces. It consists of an organic matrix containing a dense concentration of bacteria. Small amounts of plaque are compatible with gingival and periodontal health, (2) but larger amounts for prolonged periods lead to the development of periodontal diseases. Plaque becomes visible on the surfaces of teeth when tooth brushing stops for 12–24 h. It can be seen with the naked eye or with the use of disclosing agents. If tooth brushing is neglected for several days plaque ORIGINAL ARTICLE Int J Dent Hygiene 9, 2011; 143–148 143