Association between child's behaviour during first dental appointment and effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers

Objective To evaluate the association between the behaviour of children aged 1 to 4 years during their dental appointment and the effectiveness of dental plaque removal by caregivers. Methods This longitudinal study with intervention had the participation of 146 children (mean age = 34.89 months), 75 of whom (51.4%) showed positive behaviour (+ and ++) and 71 (48.6%), negative behaviour (− and – –). The children were evaluated at the first dental appointment, according to the Frankl scale. They were subjected to an assessment of oral conditions, and their plaque level was recorded (Quigley–Hein Index modified by Turesky) using the Evince® device. Caregivers received oral hygiene guidance. The dental plaque assessment was performed before giving the oral hygiene guidance and 14 days later. The statistical analysis included a descriptive assessment and the Wilcoxon test (p