Background:

Given the high prevalence of caries and periodontal disease globally, and its cumulative process from an early age, effective strategies are required to influence healthy habits that are formed in a sustainable manner, taking advantage of common spaces such as school. The objective was to evaluate for 72 months an oral health prevention strategy in schoolchildren.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental study considered an initial sample of 350 students with similar cultural and socioeconomic conditions, which was later reduced to 220, after the 72 months. The tooth brushing practice was carried out at school daily; with teacher motivation and leader in oral health formation. Intervention was supervised all time long. to At the beginning and end of the 72 months, the following epidemiological indexes were taken: Silness-Loe plaque index, Loe-Silness Gingival index, brushing skill index by Simmons Smith & Gelbie (ISSG), and the MEDI-MED index that dichotomically considered: healthy permanent teeth, health of the gums and good attitude towards dental health. The statistical analysis included measures of central tendencies. The difference in averages of the indices was determined by the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

The average of the indices: initial (II) and final (IF) registered as follows: gingival (II: 0.63-IF: 0.27) and bacterial plaque (II: 0.99-IF: 0.41) with a difference p <0.05. The index (ISSG) indicated a dental plaque removal of 82.18%.MEDI-MED index “healthy permanent teeth” (II: 91% - IF: 59%); Gum (II: 14% - IF: at 85%) and the “Mind” component (II: 96% - IF: 87%).

Conclusions:

The preventive strategy evaluated significantly reduced the rates of bacterial and gingival plaque. The MEDI-MED index indicated decreased in healthy permanent teeth and a positive attitude towards dentistry.

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