Childhood Flossing Predicts Lifelong Oral Hygiene, suggests study
Researchers have found in a new study that children who regularly use dental floss are more likely to continue the habit into adulthood, highlighting the importance of establishing good oral hygiene practices early in life. The study was published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene by Maile M. and colleagues.
The longitudinal prevalence of dental flossing and potential socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors were assessed through a two-wave prospective survey employing structured online questionnaires. In total, 202 participants were recruited to participate in the study; they were a part of the initial cross-sectional oral health survey that took place in 2012. The use of dental floss was assessed through questions regarding its daily and weekly utilization.
Data collection related to socio-demographic factors, use of professional dental services on a regular basis, the type of medical institution visited (public or private), perception of personal oral health, and the necessity of professional dental services were conducted. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using adjusted Poisson regression.
Key findings:
- Among the 202 followed participants, 49.01% reported using dental floss at least twice a week, whereas 23.27% reported flossing daily.
- Individuals who flossed daily during childhood exhibited a 69% higher prevalence of sustained flossing over time compared to non-daily child flossers (PR 1.69; 95% CI 1.12–2.45).
- Participants who had visited a dental professional within the preceding 12 months showed a 34% higher prevalence of flossing (PR 1.34; 95% CI 1.02–1.77).
- Utilizing private oral health services was associated with a 54% higher prevalence of flossing (PR 1.54; 95% CI 1.15–2.06), while reporting excellent or good self-perceived oral health corresponded to a 51% increase in flossing prevalence (PR 1.51; 95% CI 1.14–2.00).
In summary, this longitudinal study proves that development of daily flossing in childhood can be used as a significant predictor of future interdental hygiene in adulthood. By providing a 69% rise in the number of people who will continue flossing through their adulthood years, this study highlights the importance of developing good oral habits from a young age.
Reference:
M. M. Langbecker, E. d. S. Borstmann, M. I. Baierle, T. S. Borges, J. K. Knorst, and R. B. Moraes, “ Dental Flossing in Early Adolescence as a Predictor of Habit Maintenance Over Time,” International Journal of Dental Hygiene (2026): 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70130.
