Toothbrushing behavior in children - an observational study of toothbrushing performance in 12 year olds.

Background: Many countries offer systematic group prevention programs in kindergarten and school in order to promote children's oral health. Little is known, however, about the actual toothbrushing abilities of children when group prevention programs end.

Methods: In Germany, all children take advantage from a nationwide group prevention program (called "Gruppenprophylaxe") lasting from kindergarten up to sixth grade (12 years of age).