Dental attendance patterns and oral hygiene habits of 5-year-old children in Athens and in south London.

This study compared the dental attendance patterns and oral hygiene habits of 5-year-old children in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark with those in the municipality of Athens in the light of differing provision of oral health education. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of 384 children in London and 318 children in Athens who took part in a survey of dental health. Response rates of 51% and 53% respectively were obtained. More children visit the dentist in South London than in Athens, the difference being highly significant. In South London the majority of children visit every 6 months, whereas in Athens they only visit when they have toothache. More London children brush their teeth than Athens children, the difference being significant. Of those brushing in London, most brush twice daily. The above findings indicate marked differences in dental attendance patterns and oral hygiene habits, and this may be partly attributable to differences in the delivery of dental care and oral health education in the two countries.