Cognitive abilities and toothbrushing amongst orphans: a kinship in disguise

Background: Oral hygiene practices in children are influenced by their cognitive abilities, particularly sustained attention and working memory. To understand whether these cognitive functions affect oral hygiene outcomes over time may help design better preventive programs in orphanage. To evaluate the correlation between sustained attention, working memory, and oral hygiene status using the oral hygiene index–simplified in children in orphanage. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among typically developing children in orphanage aged 9–12 years. Baseline oral hygiene status was recorded by OHI-S index after using disclosing agent at baseline. Sustained attention and working memory were assessed using standardized neurocognitive tools like Stroop test and Corsi block test respectively. All participants received uniform toothbrushing instructions and a standardized brushing kit including toothbrush and toothpaste. Again OHI-S index is assessed after brushing. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The sustained attention, working memory, and toothbrushing efficacy increased significantly with age, and an association of sustained attention and working memory was seen with toothbrushing efficacy, irrespective of the child’s age, which was reported using Spearman’s coefficient (p=0.000). Conclusion: Both sustained attention and working memory significantly increased with age, and were significantly associated with higher toothbrushing efficacy in orphans.