Strategies to Improve Dental Hygiene and Oral Health of 5-15-year-old Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

School is the most cost-effective and easiest way to access 5-15-year-old children. Owing to the development of permanent teeth, the increasing prevalence of dental caries, and the formation of social life, these children are the main target group in oral hygiene promotion programs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of interventional strategies on improving oral health and dental hygiene of 5-15-year-old students. Electronic search in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Biomed Central databases was performed using English keywords, and the studies that were conducted on educational interventions to improve oral health, dental hygiene, prevention, and control of caries among students between January 2004 and March 2021 were reviewed. Thirteen selected studies were divided into two categories: educational interventions based on self-care behaviors and prevention services (fluoride varnish and fissure sealant) and educational interventions based on self-care behaviors. Interventions that included continuing the intervention, involved parents and school staff in the program, used a combination of several educational methods and used preventive services were associated with greater success in enhancing knowledge, health behaviors, reducing plaque, and tooth decay. Continuation of group education, combined use of educational programs, follow-up, and the use of behavior change models and provision of preventive services are the best ways to design and plan an intervention to improve oral health and dental hygiene in elementary school students.