The Effectiveness of Assistance in Brushing Teeth Using the Fones Method on Oral and Dental Hygiene in Preschool Children with Cavities in Desa Tengah, Central Padang Bengkulu

Abstract

Dental caries among preschool children remains a community health problem because daily toothbrushing is often not supported by proper technique and consistent supervision. This activity aimed to assess the effectiveness of assisted toothbrushing using the Fones method in improving dental and oral hygiene among preschool children in Tengah Padang Village, Bengkulu Tengah Regency. The activity used an educational assistance approach with pre and post measurements involving 24 preschool children with dental caries. Data were collected through observation of toothbrushing practice and oral hygiene assessment, then analyzed using category distribution, mean comparison, and paired testing. The results showed that before assistance most children were in the poor hygiene category, namely 14 children or 58.4 percent. After assistance, the good category increased to 15 children or 62.5 percent. The mean score decreased from 2.42 to 1.46 with a p value of 0.001. Assisted toothbrushing using the Fones method helped children perform a simple circular brushing movement that is memorable and appropriate for preschool motor development