TY - JOUR
T1 - Changes in Toothbrushing Behaviors Following a Child Dental Care Reform in Israel
AU - Aflalo, Efrat
AU - Barak, Sharon
AU - Levi, Sharon
AU - Ben Meir, Lilach
AU - Giladi, Ariela
AU - Zusman, Shlomo Paul
AU - Harel Fisch, Yossi
AU - Shachaf, Miri
AU - Zwilling, Moti
AU - Tesler, Riki
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the authors.
PY - 2025/3
Y1 - 2025/3
N2 - (1) Background: Toothbrushing behavior in children and adolescents is shaped by national dental health policies and sociodemographic and psychological factors. In 2010, child dental care was incorporated into Israel’s National Health Insurance Law (NHIL). This study explored toothbrushing behavior and its predictors before and after this reform. (2) Methods: Data from 36,755 students in grades 6–10 were analyzed from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study conducted pre-reform (1998, 2002, 2006) and post-reform (2010, 2013, 2016). The dependent variable was toothbrushing behavior, while the independent variables included sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. Chi-squared tests compared proportions of compliant toothbrushing behaviors, and logistic regression identified significant predictors. (3) Results: According to recommendations, 59–64% of children brushed their teeth before the reform. This proportion increased significantly post-reform, reaching 73% in 2018. Predictors of compliance included being female, younger, Jewish, and non-observant, having a higher socioeconomic status, and having a better psychological status. These predictors were consistent in pre- and post-reform regression models. (4) Conclusions: The dental care reform positively influenced toothbrushing habits among children and adolescents. However, disparities remain among specific communities. Interventions tailored to address sociodemographic and psychological factors are recommended to enhance regular toothbrushing habits across all populations.
AB - (1) Background: Toothbrushing behavior in children and adolescents is shaped by national dental health policies and sociodemographic and psychological factors. In 2010, child dental care was incorporated into Israel’s National Health Insurance Law (NHIL). This study explored toothbrushing behavior and its predictors before and after this reform. (2) Methods: Data from 36,755 students in grades 6–10 were analyzed from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study conducted pre-reform (1998, 2002, 2006) and post-reform (2010, 2013, 2016). The dependent variable was toothbrushing behavior, while the independent variables included sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. Chi-squared tests compared proportions of compliant toothbrushing behaviors, and logistic regression identified significant predictors. (3) Results: According to recommendations, 59–64% of children brushed their teeth before the reform. This proportion increased significantly post-reform, reaching 73% in 2018. Predictors of compliance included being female, younger, Jewish, and non-observant, having a higher socioeconomic status, and having a better psychological status. These predictors were consistent in pre- and post-reform regression models. (4) Conclusions: The dental care reform positively influenced toothbrushing habits among children and adolescents. However, disparities remain among specific communities. Interventions tailored to address sociodemographic and psychological factors are recommended to enhance regular toothbrushing habits across all populations.
KW - adolescents
KW - oral health
KW - reform
KW - toothbrushing behavior
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105001397103&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/children12030289
DO - 10.3390/children12030289
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AN - SCOPUS:105001397103
SN - 2227-9067
VL - 12
JO - Children
JF - Children
IS - 3
M1 - 289
ER -