Methods: The research design is an observational study. This study will examine the association between children’s oral microbiota and oral symptoms and influence of tooth brushing and tooth flossing on this relationship. A convenience sample of approximately 10 children school age 7-12 years attending a community dental clinic, both genders and from different socioeconomic status. Three questionnaires will be used to collect information on demographics, oral health behaviors, and oral symptoms. Information related to children’s oral health will be collected from the dental record available at the dental clinic. Buccal swabs will be collected to measure oral microbiota. The recruitment site is a Midwest community dental clinic. Participants will be screened based on the eligibility criteria. Participant consent will be obtained from the parent/guardian and assent from the child. Buccal specimens will be collected from the child by the research team. The participant’s parent/guardian will complete a demographic questionnaire, and the child will complete the other questionnaires. Children’s dental records will be collected by the researchers from the clinic.
Results: This is an ongoing project at the time of the abstract submission. Data collection expected to be completed by May 2018. Results are expected to be presented by July 2018.
Conclusion: The findings will provide knowledge to develop oral health interventions targeting beneficial oral microbiota aimed at improving children oral symptoms.