Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. HealthSignal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Adetayo Aborisade, Amina Mohammed Ali, Chizoba Okolo, Titilola Abike Gbaja-Biamila, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Abideen Olurotimi Salako, Ifeoluwa Eunice Adewole, Mobolaji Timothy Olagunju, Olunike Rebecca Abodurin, George Uchenna Eleje, Ucheoma Catherine Nwaozuru, Adebola Oluyemisi Ehizele, Joanne Marie Lusher, Maha El Tantawi, Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi, Morẹ́nikẹ Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Ayodeji Oginni
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0342631
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Oral hygiene is linked with dental caries experience. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the associations between oral hygiene status, the frequency of tooth brushing, and the prevalence of dental caries in Nigeria. It also examined how the geographical zones and dentition type moderate these associations, and identified the tools commonly used for oral hygiene maintenance.
The systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022367763). A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar in January 2026 for studies conducted between January 2001 and December 2025. Observational studies and clinical trials reporting baseline caries prevalence were included. There was no language restriction. Studies were excluded if they did not provide information on the sample size, had no study outcome data, featured duplicate samples, or were review articles, meta-analyses, case reports, case series, in vitro studies, commentaries/letters (editorials, opinion pieces) devoid of primary data. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted by dentition type, geopolitical zone, study design, publication year, mean age, and sample size.
Twenty-three cross-sectional studies were included, of which 20 (86.9%) were conducted in Southern Nigeria. Pooled data from 10 studies suggested poor oral hygiene was associated with 100% higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.26–3.96; p = 0.003). After removing an influential outlier, the analysis showed a 76% increase in dental caries prevalence associated with poor oral hygiene (95% CI: 1.41–2.18; p = 0.003; I² = 0.00%). Brushing at least twice daily was associated with reduced dental caries (p < 0.001). Dentition type and publication year were significant moderators. The most common oral cleaning tool was a toothbrush with toothpaste, though chewing sticks, cotton wool, and other traditional tools were also reported.
Poor oral hygiene was linked to increased odds for dental caries, while twice-daily tooth brushing was protective in Nigeria. The type of cleaning tool was not significantly associated with dental caries risk, highlighting the importance of brushing frequency over tool type. Studies reporting on oral hygiene and dental caries in Northern Nigeria are needed to improve the national representativeness of the data.
Introduction
Oral hygiene is essential for oral and general health. It encompasses a range of preventative practices that individuals adopt to maintain the cleanliness and overall health of the oral cavity [1–3]. Oral hygiene tools include the use of dental floss, interdental cleaning, antimicrobial rinses, and tongue cleaning to control plaque accumulation [4,5]. Furthermore, cleaning of the dorsum of the tongue using a tongue scraper or a toothbrush helps to eliminate debris that can be an oral bacterial reservoir [6–8]. Key oral hygiene method, however, is the regular tooth brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, which removes dental plaque and food particles, and prevents dental caries. [9]. Besides toothbrushing, the use of dental floss, interdental cleaning, antimicrobial rinses, and tongue cleaning controls plaque accumulation.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Adetayo Aborisade, Amina Mohammed Ali, Chizoba Okolo, Titilola Abike Gbaja-Biamila, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Abideen Olurotimi Salako, Ifeoluwa Eunice Adewole, Mobolaji Timothy Olagunju, Olunike Rebecca Abodurin, George Uchenna Eleje, Ucheoma Catherine Nwaozuru, Adebola Oluyemisi Ehizele, Joanne Marie Lusher, Maha El Tantawi, Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi, Morẹ́nikẹ Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Ayodeji Oginni. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by HealthSignal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of HealthSignal’s staff.
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