The Influence of Flossing on the Risk of Proximal Caries in Primary Molars: A 6‐Year Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether flossing is associated with a lower risk of proximal caries in children's primary molars. METHODOLOGY: A longitudinal study was conducted with 122 preschool Brazilian children. Data collection occurred three times with a 3-year interval: T1, T2 and T3. At all times, questionnaires with sociodemographic and children's oral health data were answered by their parents/guardians. Oral clinical examination of the children was performed to identify the presence of caries and dental plaque. RESULTS: Flossing was not associated with the incidence of dental caries in primary molars at any of the follow-up visits. The presence of visible plaque at T1 and the lack of treatment indicated after T1 were associated, respectively, with a higher incidence of proximal caries in primary molars both at T2 (RR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.05-3.60/RR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.18-4.18) and T3 (RR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.12-2.49/RR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.20-2.94). Monthly family income of less than two Brazilian minimum wages (RR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.07-2.85) and high sucrose intake (RR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.01-2.42) were associated with a higher incidence of proximal caries in primary molars at T3. The sample presented low statistical power, which should be considered when interpreting the findings. CONCLUSION: Flossing is not associated with a lower risk of proximal caries in children's primary molars in the follow-up periods.