Sexual differences in oral health behaviour and factors associated with oral health behaviour in Japanese young adults

Analysis of the Impact of Oral Health on Adolescent Quality of Life Using Standard Statistical Methods and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of oral health on adolescent quality of life and to compare the results obtained using standard statistical methods and artificial intelligence algorithms. In order to measure the impact of oral health on adolescent quality of life, a validated Serbian version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scale was used. The total sample comprised 374 respondents. The obtained results were processed using standard statistical methods and machine learning, i.e., artificial intelligence algorithms-singular value decomposition. OIDP score was dichotomized into two categories depending on whether the respondents had or did not have oral or teeth problems affecting their life quality. Human intuition and machine algorithms came to the same conclusion on how the respondents should be divided. As such, method quality and the need to perform analyses of this type in dentistry studies were demonstrated. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, the respondents can be clustered into characteristic groups that allow the discovery of details not possible with the intuitive division of respondents by gender.

Ten-year trends in DMF-S and DMF-T in a northeast German adult population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess 10-year trends in coronal caries in adults aged 20-83 years using data from the two-representative population-based Studies of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0/SHIP-Trend-0).

METHODS

Repeated cross-sectional data from 4,286 SHIP-0 and 3,913 SHIP-Trend-0 participants were analysed. Carious, filled and missing teeth/surfaces were recorded in a half-mouth design and the DMF-T/S scores and sound surfaces/teeth were calculated according to WHO criteria. Trends in DMF-T/S scores and its single components were presented stratified by age group and sex.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decline in coronal caries experience (DMF-T and DMF-S) in adults aged 20 to 83 years as well as for D-T/S components was observed. The proportion of edentulous participants was almost halved from 8.7% (SHIP-0) to 5.1% (SHIP-Trend-0), while the number of M-T declined from 4.4 to 3.5 revealing an overall clear shift to a higher retention rate of teeth. In younger adults (25-34 years) 3.8 more sound teeth (17.2 sound surfaces) were found in average in the mouth and in elderly (65-74 years) a clear shift from extracted to filled teeth was observed (M-T reduced by 5.4, while F-T increased by 4). Regarding sex differences, females had consistently on average higher MF-T/S values, but lower D-T/S values than males.

CONCLUSION

A clinically relevant drop in the severity of coronal caries experience in all adult age groups in Northeast Germany shows that not only reductions in caries experience in adolescence translated into adulthood but also later improvements led to long-term oral health.

Trend Analysis of Average Frequency Using Toothbrushing per Day in South Korea: An Observational Study of the 2010 to 2018 KNHANES Data

The aim of this study was to examine the trend of average frequency of toothbrushing per day according to the sociodemographic characteristics using the 5th, 6th, and 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data for 9 years; from 2010 to 2018. It intends to understand the state of toothbrushing practices in South Korea, and to provide basic data for promoting toothbrushing practices. Data from the 5th, 6th, and 7th KNHANESs conducted by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency each year was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). Tableau version 2020.1 was used for the graphs and geographic information system (GIS). The significance level of α was set at 0.05 for testing. In all analyses, the complex sampling analysis method with stratification variables, cluster variables, and weights was applied, and the complex sample linear regression analysis. The average frequency of toothbrushing per day was higher in women for all the years; these women belonged to the age group under 65 and the employed group. The average frequency of toothbrushing per day was lower in the married, elementary school graduate, part-time job, and low-income groups for all years. The demographic and social factors affecting the number of toothbrushing practices per day were gender, education level, income level, and work type. After analyzing the average frequency of toothbrushing per day in each of the cities and provinces, Gangwon-do and Jeonbuk showed the highest increase in the frequency of toothbrushing in 2018 compared to 2010, whereas Incheon showed the lowest increase. From the above results, the average frequency of toothbrushing per day was lower in males, those with a low education level, the unemployed, and those in the rural area for a period of 9 years. Therefore, in-depth oral health promotion projects and national benefit policies should be considered for effective toothbrushing education by identifying individuals who do not brush their teeth.

Male breast cancer: a neglected disease

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare, tending to afflict sedentary men, with adolescent obesity being a risk factor. Men fare worse compared with matched females with breast cancer. The preponderance of ER+ve disease affects the molecular profile: most cases have luminal A tumors. Through male ignorance and risk-taking, delay is frequent and this lacuna needs addressing with health education. The major gene mutation responsible for MBC is BRCA2. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are significantly and uniquely associated with MBC risk with two located in the 8q24.21 regions. Mastectomy is being gradually replaced by nipple-preserving surgery and radiotherapy but this trend could be expedited with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. Significant advances will occur only after expansion of collaborative groups and this is a matter of pressing importance.

Impact of the onset of fixed appliance therapy on adolescents' quality of life using a specific condition questionnaire: A cross-sectional comparison between male and female individuals

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the first six months of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents, comparing boys and girls, using a specific condition questionnaire.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents aged 10-17 years.

METHODS

Forty-six adolescents participated in this study. Adolescents' OHRQoL was evaluated using the Brazilian version of the questionnaire Impact of Fixed Appliances Measure. This questionnaire comprises 43 questions distributed across nine domains: aesthetics; functional limitation; dietary impact; oral hygiene impact; maintenance impact; physical impact; social impact; time constraints; and travel/cost/inconvenience implications. The answer options follow the Likert scale, in the range of 1-5. A higher score indicates a more negative impact on the OHRQoL. Adolescents' malocclusion was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index. Information on family income, adolescents' age and tooth extraction was also collected. A directed acyclic graph was used to identify potential confounders. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test, the Student's t test and the analysis of covariance. The minimal clinically important difference was also calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 46 participants, 25 were girls and 21 were boys. The female adolescents presented a more negative impact from the orthodontic treatment on the quality of life when compared to the male adolescents (P < 0.001), regardless of the influence of the confounding variables. The most negative repercussions were identified in the domains of oral hygiene (P = 0.002), physical impact (P < 0.001) and social impact (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The impact of the first six months of orthodontic treatment on OHRQoL is more negative in female individuals than in male individuals. The results of this study may be useful for the oral healthcare provider during the counselling of adolescents undergoing fixed appliance therapy.

Factors Associated with Dental Root Caries: A Systematic Review

Objectives:

The objectives of this review were to identify the factors associated with root caries and to describe their relationship with the presence and extent of root caries.

Methods:

A search was carried out on the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles published between January 1990 and October 2018. Information was extracted on the factors associated with the presence or extent of decayed or filled root surfaces and/or decayed root surfaces. Factors were sorted into 6 categories: social-demographic background, general health, health behaviors, fluoride exposure, oral health habits, and oral health condition.

Results:

The quality of the 127 identified relevant papers was assessed, and those of low methodological quality were excluded. Finally, 44 articles reporting on 40 cross-sectional studies were included. The total sample size comprised 78,183 participants from different countries around the world. Positive correlations were detected between root caries and age, gingival recession, and use of tobacco, while negative correlations were found for social position, use of fluoride toothpaste, and oral hygiene status. Mixed findings were reported for association with the number of teeth and dental visit behaviors.

Conclusion:

This systematic review found a number of factors in different categories to be associated with root caries. People who are older, of lower socioeconomic status, or tobacco users and those with more gingival recession and poorer oral hygiene have higher risk of root caries.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This systematic review found a number of factors associated with root caries, including age, social position, exposure to fluoride, and oral hygiene status. This information helps dental public health workers and clinicians identify the groups at high risk of caries and the factors to act on for more effective prevention and management of root caries (e.g., use fluoride toothpaste and improve oral hygiene).

Dental health status and oral health behavior among university students from five ASEAN countries

The aim of this study was to investigate dental health status and oral health behavior and associated factors among university students in five ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected from 3,344 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.5, SD=1.6; 58.3% female) from five ASEAN countries. Results indicate that 27.7% of students reported to have sometimes, most of the time or always having tooth ache in the past 12 months, 39.4% reported to have one or more cavities, 20.3% did not brush their teeth twice or more times a day, and 30.9% had never been to a dentist (or did not know it). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, living in a lower middle income country, consumption of chocolate or candy, having made a dental care visit, and poor mental health was associated with tooth ache in the past 12 months. Being male, being 20 to 21 years old, coming from a wealthier family background, living in a lower middle income country, frequent consumption of soft drinks, not having consulted with a dentist in the past 12 months and weak beliefs in the benefits of tooth brushing were associated with inadequate tooth brushing frequency ( Collapse

Key Words

• ASEAN
• dental health status
• health risk behavior
• oral health behavior
• university students

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MESH Headings

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Female
• Health Status
• Humans
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Mental Health
• Multivariate Analysis
• Oral Health
• Risk Factors
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology
• Students/statistics & numerical data
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Universities
• Young Adult

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Karl Peltzer Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Supa Pengpid ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand Department of Research Development and Innovation, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa

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Oral health knowledge and psychological determinants of oral health behavior of nursing students

This survey examined the oral health knowledge and psychological determinants of oral health behavior of 1019 undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students. Overall, most of the students perceived their oral health to be average, and their flossing and dental visiting frequencies were inadequate. Moreover, the students' oral health knowledge was suboptimal, regardless of the type of study, and it was not significantly associated with oral health behavior. Binary logistic regression showed that toothbrushing self-efficacy and the type of study were both significantly associated with toothbrushing behavior. Furthermore, flossing self-efficacy and dental visiting self-efficacy were both significantly associated with flossing and dental visiting behaviors, respectively.

Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Self-Care Practice Among Adolescents - A State Wide Cross- Sectional Study in Manipur, North Eastern India

INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization global strategy of promoting oral health have shown vast improvements in developed countries but the scenario is glum among underprivileged communities due to lacunae in implementation of these promotional programs. Manipur, a North Eastern state in India, is one such marginalized area.

AIM

The study aimed to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards oral health in 15-18 year adolescents residing in Manipur together with the association of these variables to sociodemographic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 810 healthy adolescents drawn from various primary health care centers spanning in all the nine districts of Manipur. A closed ended questionnaire for the purpose of collecting data was used in the survey.

RESULTS

Of the total participants 90.9% had high knowledge, 79.8% had favorable attitude and 70.4% had adequate practice towards oral health. Education of the parents and respondents was the only factor significantly associated with all three variables, knowledge, attitude and practice. Significant and positive linear correlation between knowledge-attitude (r=0.369, p<0.01) knowledge-practice (r=0.405, p<0.01) and attitude-practice (r =0.353, p<0.01), were observed.

CONCLUSION

An overwhelming majority of the respondents had high knowledge, favorable attitude and sound practice with respect to oral health. A positive linear correlation exists between the knowledge, attitude and practice. Evidence based reinforcement programs should be introduced to further reduce the gap between knowledge, attitude and practice. The study will also serve as a reference value for use in future evaluation to help measure the effectiveness of the planned activities. Future research needs to focus on establishing the dental caries prevalence and oral hygiene status of Manipuri youth.

Gender differences in oral health status and behavior of Greek dental students: A meta-analysis of 1981, 2000, and 2010 data

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status and behavior of Greek dental students over time, and to meta-analyze these findings to test the widely documented hypothesis that women have better oral health behavior, oral hygiene, and periodontal status but higher dental caries rates than men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total sample of 385 students was examined using identical indices to assess oral health and behavioral data initially in 1981 while the years 2000 and 2010 were selected due to significant changes that took place in the dental curriculum in the 1990s and 2000s. Data by gender concerning the outcome variables recorded in every one of the three surveys were analyzed using Mantel-Haenszel and continuous outcomes methods.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in the oral health status and behavior of students was observed over time. The meta-analysis of data by gender showed that females brushed their teeth significantly more often than males [summary odds ratio (OR): 1.95 and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-3.54]. Males and females were found to have a similar risk of developing dental caries.

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis that young women have better oral hygiene habits compared to men was confirmed. However, the hypothesis that women have better oral hygiene and periodontal status but exhibit higher dental caries experience than men was not supported by the findings of the study.

Deep carious lesions and other consequences of caries among 18-year-olds at Public Dental Health Service in Northern Norway: A cross-sectional age cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To document deep carious lesions and other consequences of caries (DCL-CC) in molars of 18-year olds leaving the free-of-charge Public Dental Health Service (PDHS). To explore the association between background factors and DCL-CC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The final study sample (n=1876) comprised 95% of individuals born in 1993 and registered in the PDHS in Troms County, Northern Norway. The most recent digital bitewing radiographs of each subject were examined for DCL-CC (deep untreated carious lesions, deep restorations, root canal obturations or extractions due to caries). Inter- and intra-observer kappa scores were 0.62 and 0.87, respectively. Information on background factors (gender, clinic location, history of medical problems, bitewing examination interval, DMFT score and planned recalls) were retrieved from dental records.

RESULTS

About one-quarter of subjects (488) had at least one molar with DCL-CC. There were 848 molars in total with DCL-CC; the majority were deep restorations (70%), but 4% were deep untreated carious lesions. More than a quarter of DCL-CC were either root canal obturations (14%) or extractions (12%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that a 1-unit increase in DMFT score was associated with deep untreated carious lesions and extractions due to caries. There was no association between urban/rural clinic location, which indicated socio-economic status, and either DMFT score or DCL-CC.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the existence of a free-of-charge dental service, more than one-quarter of the subjects in the present study had at least one molar with DCL-CC.

Oral health behaviour and social and health factors in university students from 26 low, middle and high income countries

Poor oral health is still a major burden for populations throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was investigate oral health behaviour (tooth brushing and dental attendance) and associated factors in low, middle and high income countries. Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected from 19,560 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD = 2.8) from 27 universities in 26 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Results indicate that 67.2% of students reported to brush their teeth twice or more times a day, 28.8% about once a day and 4.0% never. Regarding dental check-up visit, 16.3% reported twice a year, 25.6% once a year, 33.9% rarely and 24.3% never. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a male, coming from a wealthy or quite well off family background, living in low income or lower middle income, weak beliefs in the importance of regular tooth brushing, depression and PTSD symptoms, tobacco use and frequent gambling, low physical activity, and low daily meal and snacks frequency were associated with inadequate tooth brushing (<twice daily). Further, being a male, older age, coming from a not well off or poor family background, living in low income or lower middle income, weak beliefs in the importance of regular tooth brushing, PTSD symptoms, illicit drug use, low physical activity, and low daily snacks frequency, skipping breakfast and inadequate fruit and vegetables consumption were associated with less than one annual dental care visit. Oral health behaviour among the students was found to be low. Various risk factors identified can be used to guide interventions to improve oral health behaviour among university students.

Evaluating awareness regarding oral hygiene practices and exploring gender differences among patients attending for oral prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Oral hygiene is intimated in health of all parts of the body including oral cavity. The understanding of actual practices in keeping the oral heath at standard based on patient's perceptions of oral health care is vital. Understanding the effect of gender on oral health would facilitate the development of successful attitude and behavior modification approach towards sustainable oral health.

PURPOSE OF STUDY

To evaluate awareness regarding oral hygiene practices and exploring gender differences among patients attending for oral prophylaxis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was conducted among 250 patients attending the department of periodontology, Maulana Azad institute of dental sciences for oral prophylaxis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding practices and perception about oral hygiene.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients (60.4%) felt that oral hygiene is mandatory for overall health of the body. The use of toothpaste and toothbrush (83.6%) was the most preferred cleaning aid among the study population in the present study. The major constraint for avoiding dental examination was no felt need (41.2%) followed by cost of dental treatment (26.8%) and time constraints (24.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Professional plaque removal and regular follow-up combined with oral hygiene instructions to the patients can minimize the level of gingival inflammation and swelling. The poor resources for dental care, common malpractices and nonavailability of professional care are the main barriers in seeking optimum oral hygiene.

Socio-environmental factors associated with self-rated oral health in South Africa: a multilevel effects model

Aim: This study examined the influence of the social context in which people live on self-ratings of their oral health. Method: This study involved a representative sample of 2,907 South African adults (≥16 years) who participated in the 2007 South African Social Attitude Survey (SASAS). We used the 2005 General Household Survey (n = 107,987 persons from 28,129 households) to obtain living environment characteristics of SASAS participants, including sources of water and energy, and household cell-phone ownership (a proxy measure for the social network available to them). Information obtained from SASAS included socio-demographic data, respondents’ level of trust in people, oral health behaviors and self-rated oral health. Results: Of the respondents, 76.3% self-rated their oral health as good. Social context influenced women’s self-rated oral health differently from that of men. Good self-rated oral health was significantly higher among non-smokers, employed respondents and women living in areas with higher household cell-phone ownership. Furthermore, trust and higher social position were associated with good self-rated oral health among men and women respectively. Overall, 55.1% and 18.3% of the variance in self-rated oral health were explained by factors operating at the individual and community levels respectively. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential role of social capital in improving the population’s oral health.

Mouthwash use in general population: results from adult dental health survey in grampian, Scotland

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of mouthwash use and to investigate the associated factors in general population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An Adult Dental Health Survey was conducted on 3,022 residents of Grampian region of Scotland (adjusted participation rate 58.2%). Participants received a questionnaire consisting of questions on oral health and behavioural factors.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (38.1%) have never used mouthwash, 17.5% used mouthwash less than once a month, 19.4% used mouthwash once every few days and 25.1% used mouthwash daily. Prevalence of use decreased with age (P < 0.001). Woman were more likely to use mouthwash than men (P = 0.004). Mouthwash use decreased with decrease in the level of deprivation (P < 0.001). Never-smokers were less likely to use mouthwash (40.3%) compared to smokers (53.1%) or those who stopped smoking (46.5%) (P < 0.001). Mouthwash was used by smaller proportion of people drinking alcohol on daily basis (36.6%), than by abstainers (42.2%) (P = 0.012). There was a positive relationship between flossing or brushing pattern and mouthwash use (P < 0.001). There was statistically significant relationship between mouthwash use and reasons for the last dental visit (P = 0.009). When compared to healthy individuals, mouthwash was used by higher proportion of people reporting that they had gum disease (P = 0.001), ulcers (P = 0.001), oral infections or swelling (P = 0.002) or other problems (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Mouthwash use in general population is associated with socio-demographic, health and behavioural factors.

A longitudinal study of the relative importance of factors related to use of dental services among young adults

BACKGROUND

The decline in the appropriate use of dental services from childhood to adulthood is of concern. The relative importance of factors influencing use of dental services in young adulthood should inform strategies to address this issue.

AIM

To develop models predictive of inadequate utilisation of dental care in young adults and to determine the relative importance of health behaviours, need for dental care, and socio-demographic factors. Inadequate utilisation of dental care was determined as lack of visit for dental care during the study period and as problem-based care-seeking behavior.

METHODS

A random sample of Adelaide young adults was selected from the electoral roll. Participants were interviewed and offered a dental examination at baseline. Two and a half years later participants were contacted again and interviewed on the use of dental services and usual reason for visiting and a number of explanatory factors. The population attributable fractions for the explanatory variables which were significant in the model for this cohort of young adults were calculated using the log-binomial method.

RESULTS

There were 819 participants at follow-up a response rate of 65% of baseline participants. In the two and a half year period between baseline and follow-up about one quarter of young adults did not make a dental visit and over one third reported that they usually made a dental visit for a problem. The attributable fraction calculation indicated that 30% of infrequent visiting was attributed to reporting no need for dental care, 17% to difficulty paying a $100 dental bill, 17% to being male and 10% to smoking. The attributable fraction calculation indicated that 27% of usually visiting for a problem was attributed to having no tertiary education, 23% to not having dental insurance, 14% to being male, 12% to smoking, 10% to avoiding dental care due to cost and 5% to use of the public sector.

CONCLUSION

Need and affordability factors were more important than general health behavior factors in influencing use of dental care by a cohort of young adults.

Risk indicators of caries experience among young adults

BACKGROUND

Significant gains have been documented on the oral health of Australian children. However, the question remains as to whether improvements have extended to the oral health of young adults. This study aimed to determine the risk indicators associated with oral health status in young adults aged 20-25 years.

METHODS

A random sample of young adults was selected from the South Australian electoral roll. Telephone interviews were conducted for 1261 young adults. These provided socio-demographic, health behaviour and dental visiting data. Dental examinations were carried out on 644 subjects by three calibrated examiners in clinical settings.

RESULTS

The mean number of tooth surfaces affected by dental caries (DMFS) was 6.05 with the presence of untreated cavitated decayed surfaces (DS) evident in 28.6 per cent. In regression models the risk indicators associated with DS were being on government benefits, unemployed, usually visiting for a problem rather than a check, visiting a public clinic, drinking 5+ acidic drinks per day and being a current smoker. Risk indicators for higher DMFS scores were usually visiting for a problem, visiting a public clinic, being on government benefits and having made a dental visit in the previous 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Socio-demographic factors, dental visiting patterns and general health behaviours are risk indicators for caries in young adults.

Oral health behaviour and its determinants amongst Iranian dental students

OBJECTIVES

To study the oral health behaviour (OHB) of Iranian senior dental students in relation to their gender, background characteristics, knowledge of preventive care, and attitudes towards preventive dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a cluster random sampling approach, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 327 senior dental students in seven dental schools. The questionnaire covered age, gender, parents' employment in dentistry, previous academic education in dental hygiene, oral self-care, most recent dental check-up, knowledge of preventive dentistry and attitudes towards it. Attending a dental check-up by a dentist or a classmate within the last year was defined as preventive care use. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Women reported significantly higher frequencies of tooth brushing (P < 0.001), fluoridated toothpaste use (P = 0.001) and flossing (P < 0.001) compared with men. Respondents who had been previously educated as dental hygienists had lower frequencies of eating sugary snacks (P < 0.001) and paid more attention to preventive care (P = 0.03) than others. Those with more extensive knowledge of preventive care reported higher frequencies of using fluoridated toothpaste (P = 0.05). Reported frequencies of brushing were higher amongst those with more positive attitudes (P = 0.03). In logistic regression models, having at least one parent employed as a dentist was significantly associated with higher frequencies of eating sugary snacks (P = 0.047, OR = 0.3) and more frequent preventive care use (P = 0.048, OR = 2.9).

CONCLUSION

Education and training in preventive measures should be effective enough to overcome background characteristics. There is room for improving the OHB of Iranian dental students.

An assessment of oral self-care in the student population of a Turkish university

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the oral health behavior of Turkish non-dental university students.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A sample of 610 non-dental university students attending the University of Ondokuz Mayis in Samsun were randomly selected from the whole student population (n=12604) via the random number method. The students were asked to fill out a standardized self-completion questionnaire about daily frequency of toothbrushing, kind of toothbrush, frequency of toothbrush replacement, frequency of dental flossing, use of antibacterial rinse, or any other oral hygiene aid, receiving of oral hygiene instruction and frequency of oral check-up. The data were analysed using the SPSS version 12.0.1 statistical software package.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight per cent of the students brushed their teeth two or more times per day. Two or more times a day toothbrushing was more common among females than males (P<0.001). Few subjects (3%) used dental floss daily. Forty per cent of students used only the toothpick as an interdental oral hygiene device. Thirty per cent of the students visited a dentist for preventive treatment at least once a year. There was no significant difference in regularity of visits to the dentist between females and males (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that self-preventive oral behaviour of the Turkish university student is at a lower level than in industrialized countries.