Toothbrushing And Dietary Behavior of Children Aged 3–6 Years with Early Childhood Caries in Impoverished Community of Semampir District, Surabaya

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to observe tooth brushing and dietary behavior of children aged 3–6
years with early childhood caries (ECC) in impoverished communities, Semampir District, Surabaya City.
Materials and Methods: This was descriptive observational with cross-sectional design study in 50 samples
of mother whom their children diagnosed with ECC. Research instrument using questionnaires based on
caries risk assessment (CRA) which modified. Results: Most samples showed good tooth brushing behavior,
which includes brushing frequency and duration, routines using toothpaste, had tooth brushing initiative and
independently brushing teeth. The majority of samples had poor dietary behavior which includes snacking
habit frequency, time management, fruit and milk consumption. Conclusion: Most children aged 3–6 years
in impoverished communities, Semampir District of Surabaya already had good brushing teeth behavior, but
they had poor diet which explain high prevalence of caries.