Association between child's behaviour during first dental appointment and effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between the behaviour of children aged 1 to 4 years during their dental appointment and the effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers. Methods This longitudinal study with intervention had the participation of 146 children (mean age = 34.89 months), 75 of whom (51.4%) showed positive behaviour (+ and ++) and 71 (48.6%), negative behaviour (− and – –). The children were evaluated at the first dental appointment, according to the Frankl scale. They were subjected to an assessment of oral conditions, and their plaque level was recorded (Quigley–Hein Index modified by Turesky) using the Evince® device. Caregivers received oral hygiene guidance. The dental plaque assessment was performed before giving the oral hygiene guidance and 14 days later. The statistical analysis included a descriptive assessment and the Wilcoxon test ( p < 0.05). Results Mean dental plaque levels dropped significantly from the first to the second assessment ( p < 0.001). The sample was divided according to the child's behaviour, observing that only the group of children with positive behaviour showed significantly less dental plaque in the second assessment ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The positive behaviour of children aged 1 to 4 years during the first dental appointments is associated with more effective dental plaque removal by caregivers.