The oral health of secondary school pupils: baseline data from the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial

Background: This paper describes the sociodemographics and oral health of UK secondary school pupils. They were participants of the BRIGHT trial, which was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a toothbrushing intervention to reduce dental caries.

Methods: Overall, 4,680 pupils aged 11-13 years attending 42 secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales with above average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals, were recruited to the trial. Sociodemographic data were collected. Participants had a clinical assessment for caries, plaque and bleeding and completed measures of oral and general health-related quality of life and oral health behaviours (frequency of toothbrushing, dental attendance and cariogenic food/drinks consumed). Regression analyses were performed.

Results: Over one-third (34.7%) of participants had caries experience, with 44.5% reporting their oral health had an impact on their daily lives. Factors associated with a statistically significant increased likelihood of caries experience were older age, being female, eligibility for free school meals, worse oral health-related quality of life, higher cariogenic diet, less than twice-daily toothbrushing, living in a more deprived area and lower school attendance.

Conclusions: The prevalence and impact of dental caries on the lives of pupils remains high, with further oral health promotion activities needed in targeted secondary schools.