Using oral hygiene education in schools to tackle child tooth decay: a mixed methods study with children and teachers in England. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eley, Cv; Weston-Price, S; Young, Vl; Hoekstra, B; Gadhia, T; Muirhead, V; Robinson, L; Pine, C; McNulty, Cam
• Is Part Of: Journal of biological education. Volume 54:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 395
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Oral hygiene -- oral health -- e-Bug -- tooth decay -- education; Biology -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Biology -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 570.7
• DOI: 10.1080/00219266.2019.1585380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9266

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Tooth decay is the most common reason for non- emergency hospital admissions in 5–9 year olds. As such, it is included in the England school curriculum at 8–9 years to facilitate improved oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay. Aim: Measure student and teacher baseline oral hygiene knowledge; determine effect of the e-Bug oral hygiene lesson on student knowledge; explore teacher views on the lesson. Methods: Mixed methods evaluation. Baseline student and teacher knowledge questionnaires. Intervention classes received the e-Bug lesson. Post-intervention student questionnaires and semi-structured teacher focus groups. Results: 121 students completed baseline questionnaire – results indicate high knowledge about which foods/drinks are bad for teeth; low knowledge about tooth decay and appropriate tooth brushing behaviours; confusion over what foods and drinks contained sugar. 58 students received the intervention; 10 out of 17 questions in lessons showed significant increase in correct responses (p < 0.05). No significant improvements reported in the control. Overall teachers were very positive about the lesson and suggested some improvements. Conclusion: Children have gaps in oral hygiene knowledge. Teachers acknowledge oral hygiene as a priority which should be taught more frequently, citing e-Bug as a valuable oral hygiene educational resource. Curriculum leaders should be encouraged to increase oral hygiene education using a whole school approach.