Impact of manual dexterity on toothbrushing efficacy in typically developing children: A cross-sectional study

Background: Manual dexterity includes gross motor skills (GMS) and fine motor skills (FMS). Literature reports manual dexterity as a contributing factor for improved oral hygiene and that the required dexterity for toothbrushing develops above 8 years of age. Research suggests grip force, movement speed, and motor coordination should be assessed to improve knowledge on kinetics of brushing teeth.

Aim: To assess the impact of manual dexterity on toothbrushing efficacy in 7 to 12 year old children.

Design: The cross-sectional study included 150 typically developing 7-12 year old children. Oral health status was recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index. GMS and FMS were evaluated using the MInnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) and Archimedes spiral test (AST), respectively. Toothbrushing efficacy was determined by Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein Plaque Index- difference in mean scores from before and after toothbrushing.

Results: Assessment of GMS, FMS, and toothbrushing efficacy using ANOVA showed a significant increase with age (p value: 0.000); unpaired t-test showed an association of toothbrushing efficacy with GMS and FMS irrespective of age (p value: 0.000).

Conclusion: Manual dexterity was significantly associated with toothbrushing efficacy in typically developing children. AST, a simple test to determine FMS, may help paediatric dentists to guide parents on the supervision of toothbrushing for their child.