The Effects of S-solution and A-solution on Oral Health in Preschool Children

Son, Hee Jung; Hong, Hae Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gargling with S-solution and gargling with A-solution on salivary pH, coated tongue, and dental plaque index in preschool children.
METHODS
Non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used to select the participants. 99 preschool children were divided into three groups. Dependent variables were recorded at baseline, 30 minutes, and 7 days after the first treatment was given. The data were analyzed using chi2-test, ANOVA, and repeated measures of ANOVA.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in dependent variables in pre-test. However, the salivary pH in the S-solution group had significantly increased after 30 minutes (p<.05) and then again 7 days (p<.01) after the first treatment. Also, the S-solution and A-solution groups had greater decrease in dental plaque index after 30 minutes and again 7 days after the first treatment (p<.001) than the control group. With respect to coated tongue, there were no significant differences among the three groups.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that essential oil gargling after brushing is helpful in improving oral health due to auxiliary oral hygiene effects with natural products. Specifically, gargling with S-solution is more effective than A-solution on oral health in preschool children by neutralizing salivary pH and reducing dental plaque index.