Factores predisponentes y facilitadores de las conductas de salud oral en niños de 6 a 8 años

Abstract

This study aims at contributing to increase knowledge on predisposing and enabling factors determining oral health behaviors, to select the focus of educational interventions in that area. In a random sample of low socioeconomical level school children, it was determinated that for them, the most important measure to prevent caries is toothbrushing. Nevertheless 33% shows a negative attitude towards toothbrushing before going to sleep. A 14% do not have their own toothbrush, being of higher significance the percentage of girls. A 5,4% use a shared toothbrush, being this habit of higher significance in girls. The majority attributes to sugary foods a destructive effects on teeth associated only with the mechanical action during chewing hard candies. To be “afraid of the dentist” is most frecuent in children that have not recieved dental care. Selfesteem is decreased in 50% of the children mather schooling does not influence the oral health knowledge of the children but it influences selfesteem.