Prevenzione orale in alunni del primo anno della scuola primaria

Objectives

To evaluate the oral health of children enrolled in the first grade of a primary school in L’Aquila (Italy) during the years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 and to provide them with free-of-charge dental care.

Materials and methods

The study included 105 children, aged 6 ± 1 years (64 males and 41 females). Each child had a dental examination that included (as needed) the application of a plaque revealer, plaque and tartar removal, the application of fluoride, saliva testing, and sealing of fissures. Children were also educated about the importance of oral hygiene.

Results

In 2009, 74 of the 105 pupils enrolled (42 males and 32 females) received treatment, consisting in the application of a plaque revealer (n = 49), tartar and pigment removal (n = 47), application of fluoride gel (n = 42), fissure sealing (n = 36), measurement of salivary pH (n = 66), and salivary bacterial counts (n = 63). In 2010, 36 of the children were retreated. During the first year of the study, the difference between the numbers of enrolled and treated children was linked to the poor cooperation of families; during the second year, the difference was related to logistic and strategic difficulties caused by the earthquake that struck the region on April 6, 2009. The results showed a decrease in the dental plaque index from 58% (2009) to 31% (2010). In addition, the 2009 examination (total no. of children = 74) revealed two filled permanent teeth and 12 permanent teeth that were decayed; in 2010, in 36 children, there were two filled permanent teeth and 9 with caries. In 2010, sealants were reapplied in five cases.

Conclusion

The Dental Department of the University of L’Aquila plans to extend this study to other schools in the same geographic area to decrease the incidence of the most frequent oral diseases, thereby warranting children's right to good health.