Oral hygiene behaviours and their associated factors in Chinese adolescents: Evidence from the National Oral Health Survey

Abstract

To investigate oral hygiene behaviours and their correlates among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study recruited 118,601 subjects aged 12-15 years from the National Oral Health Survey using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 32.6% of subjects brushed their teeth twice daily, 7.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, and 3.9% cleaned their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Multivariable logistic regression showed the probability of good oral hygiene practices (twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste) was higher among these groups: females (AOR: 1.141; 95%CI: 1.072-1.214), 15-year-olds (AOR: 1.786; 95%CI: 1.634-1.952), from urban areas (AOR: 1.389; 95%CI: 1.288-1.497), without siblings (AOR: 1.351; 95%CI: 1.259-1.450), with an educated father (AOR: 1. 605; 95%CI: 1.442-1.788) and mother (AOR: 1.706; 95%CI: 1.530-1.903), having dental visit experiences (AOR: 1.702; 95%CI: 1.589-1.823), rating one’s oral health as good (AOR: 2.341; 95%CI: 2.083-2.631), having fluoride knowledge (AOR: 4.345; 95%CI: 4.034-4.678) and having a positive attitude towards regular dental care (AOR: 1.589; 95%CI: 1.460-1.729). The oral hygiene behaviours of Chinese adolescents were undesirable. Good oral hygiene practices are significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, and attitudes towards regular dental care. Twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is essential when designing the content of oral health education and when counselling adolescents.