Mackynzie Parry, Utah Valley University
When tooth brushing is completed regularly and thoroughly, it greatly reduces the amount of bacterial microorganisms that are associated with gum disease and bone loss. However, improper use and storage of the toothbrush can result in microbial contamination, which can lead to the transmission of diseases and increase the risk for infection (The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes, 2013). This study was aimed to help oral health enthusiasts and dental professionals understand how Guatemalan children in San Martín Jilotepeque use and care for their toothbrushes. A simple survey was conducted among 157 children ages 5-19 to gather data about the attention given to proper toothbrush care and use. Overall, the majority of the responses demonstrated that the population knew and practiced proper toothbrush care. However, only 33% of the children seen in the clinic were considered to have perfect teeth; meaning that they did not need any fillings or extractions. This percentage suggests that there are other, more significant factors contributing to tooth decay among Guatemalan children than toothbrush care. The data collected from the surveys will be useful for future dental interventions since it will guide dental professionals and philanthropists on how to better enhance their oral hygiene curriculum in order to more appropriately meet the needs of the said population. This data has further ramifications and may also help other outreach groups to develop meaningful curriculum and projects for various underdeveloped cities within South and Central America.