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Oral Hygiene and Dietary Behaviors Among Romanian Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

I. Lile,Carolina Cojocariu,Diana Marian,Tiberiu Hosszu,Ademir Horia Stana,Otilia Stana

Published 2025 in Children

ABSTRACT

Highlights What are the main findings? • Over two-thirds (69.8%) of Romanian schoolchildren presented visible plaque and gingival inflammation, despite a high reported frequency of toothbrushing.• The youngest age group (5–7 years) exhibited the highest prevalence of active carious lesions, revealing a critical need for early preventive action. What are the implications of the main findings? • Oral health programs should focus on improving brushing techniques and promoting the regular use of interdental hygiene aids through school-based education.• Early prevention strategies and parental engagement are essential to reduce caries incidence and establish sustainable oral hygiene behaviors from early childhood. Abstract Background/Objectives: Oral health in children remains a key public health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to preventive programs. Despite improvements in dental care availability, the prevalence of plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and carious lesions remains high. This study provides updated regional data for Western Romania—a population previously underrepresented in oral health surveillance—and aims to evaluate oral hygiene behaviors, dietary habits, and clinical oral health indicators among Romanian schoolchildren, identifying potential areas for preventive action. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2025 on 202 schoolchildren aged 5–14 years from Western Romania. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, and dietary behaviors, followed by a standardized intraoral examination. Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Most participants (83.7%) reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, whereas only 24.8% used dental floss and 13.4% used interdental aids. The prevalence of carious lesions or restorations was 66.8%, visible plaque was 69.8%, and gingival inflammation was 50.0%. A significant positive correlation was observed between PI and GI (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Children aged 5–7 years exhibited the highest rate of active carious lesions (71.2%, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Although brushing frequency among Romanian schoolchildren was generally satisfactory, inadequate interdental hygiene and suboptimal plaque control were common. School-based preventive programs emphasizing proper brushing technique, dietary counseling, and early education may contribute to improved oral health outcomes in this population.

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