Work

Effectiveness of an oral health education program for preschool children: a focus on oral health behaviors in Seoul

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide empirical evidence for establishing systematic oral health policies for young children by evaluating the effects of a three-year oral health education program conducted through a public–private–academic partnership. Methods: Children aged 3–5 years from 10 kindergartens in Seoul participated in this study. Interventions, including professional visiting education and xylitol provision, were conducted every six months over three years. A total of 2,034 parental surveys (741 in 2023, 733 in 2024, and 560 in 2025) were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc tests. Results: Preventive dental visits significantly increased from 43.7% to 51.4% (p = 0.013), whereas visits for caries treatment decreased from 23.2% to 15.7% (p = 0.004). The mean daily tooth brushing frequency increased from 2.59 to 2.73 (p < 0.001). Specifically, post-lunch brushing improved from 73.8% to 84.5% (p < 0.001), and brushing before breakfast increased from 14.0% to 19.3% (p = 0.040). Conversely, brushing before dinner decreased (p = 0.032), indicating a shift toward more effective preventive timing for oral hygiene habits. Conclusions: Continuous three-year interventions effectively promoted preventive oral health behaviors among preschool children. These findings support the development of sustainable, prevention-centered oral health policies and improved national management systems for children.

Source: Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene

DOI: 10.13065/jksdh.2026.26.3.13