Optimal tooth brushing initiation age and frequency for preventing early childhood caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a prevalent global public health concern. Although daily tooth brushing is a key preventive measure, uncertainty remains regarding the ideal age to initiate tooth brushing and the optimal brushing frequency to minimise ECC risk in preschool children. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore the association between tooth brushing practices (initiation age and frequency) and the early childhood caries among children under 6 years of age.

Methods

We searched three databases (Proquest, Web of Science, and Scopus) for observational studies (2000-2024). Quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian-Laird) were conducted. Heterogeneity (I2), publication bias (Egge

SUBMITTER: Al-Sharani HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12754868 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature