239 - Dental Hygiene Practices of School-Age Children in the South Bronx

Abstract:

Purpose: To assess dental hygiene practices among children aged 8-14 years in an underserved urban community in the South Bronx, NY. We aimed to identify potential gaps in oral health behaviors that may inform targeted preventive interventions.

Methods: Legal guardians of children aged 8–14 years presenting to BronxCare Health System pediatric dental clinic completed an anonymous survey assessing caregiver demographics and child oral hygiene behaviors over a 6-month period. Primary outcomes included brushing frequency, flossing frequency, and routine dental visits. Associations between caregiver characteristics and hygiene practices were evaluated using chi-square testing and univariable regression analyses as appropriate.

Results: The study included 200 children with a mean age of 10 years (SD 1.96); 51% were female, 51% Hispanic, and 36.5% Black/African American. Most children were in grades 4–6 (54%), and 60% of caregivers had not completed high school or an equivalent degree. Sixty percent of caregivers reported routine dental visits every 6 months or sooner, while 17% of children had four or more cavities. Although 64% of children brushed at least twice daily, daily flossing was rare (2.5%). Higher caregiver income (≥$60,000) was associated with increased flossing frequency (OR 1.08, P = .03), with no observed associations by race or ethnicity.

Conclusions: Despite relatively high rates of twice-daily tooth brushing and routine dental visits, flossing was uncommon among children in this underserved population. Higher caregiver income was associated with increased flossing frequency. These findings highlight a gap in oral hygiene behaviors and underscore the need for targeted, income-sensitive interventions.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: