Self-reported oral status and habits related to oral care in adult Poles: A questionnaire study

Abstract

Background. Bacterial plaque control plays a key role in the prevention of caries and periodontal diseases. Hygiene negligence in this respect may influence the state of gingiva, and -in the long term -the number of lost teeth. The recommended method of mechanical control of dental plaque is tooth brushing twice a day.Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of tooth brushing, the use of various oral hygiene accessories, the number of preserved teeth, and the occurrence of gingival bleeding in adult Poles, based on a questionnaire study.Material and methods. The prepared questionnaire consisted of a general part, assessing the socioeconomic and general medical status of respondents, as well as of specific questions about behavioral actions related to oral hygiene. The study was conducted in 10 Polish cities in Mobile Medical Units as part of the "Health First" campaign in 2017.Results. The study included 713 respondents: 447 females and 264 males at an average age of 51.1 ±17.6 years. During the previous 6 months, 448 females and 265 males had visited the dentist. The average number of teeth among the respondents aged 35-44 years was 27, and for subjects >65 years old -13. There were statistically significant differences in the frequency of tooth brushing depending on sex and place of residence. The respondents used manual soft and medium toothbrushes more often than electric brushes (p < 0.05). Inhabitants of larger cities, compared to rural residents, used dental floss and toothpicks more frequently (p < 0.05). In total, 271 (50%) of the respondents reported gingival bleeding during tooth brushing. There was a statistically significant association of gingival bleeding with genetic load, and with the use of a manual soft toothbrush and mouthwash. Conclusions.Pro-health behaviors of adult Poles in maintaining optimal oral hygiene are unsatisfactory and need improvement.

Large Gender Gap in Oral Hygiene Behavior and Its Impact on Gingival Health in Late Adolescence

“…Almas et al revealed that female university students had better oral hygiene practices compared to male students in Saudi Arabia [26]. Even in adults, significant gender difference for the frequency of daily brushing has been reported [27]. Thus, the significant gender difference in oral hygiene behavior observed in this study might point to a common problem worldwide regardless of age.…”

Effect of interdental cleaning devices on proximal caries

“…The association between dental flossing and proximal caries as seen in Table 3 was found to be strong in men, early middle‐aged adults and frequent snackers. Overall, it is a common problem worldwide for males to have poor oral health behaviours related to lifestyle, knowledge and attitude than females, regardless of age 18,19 . Males are less likely to brush their teeth daily and use ICDs than females and have a higher risk of proximal caries.…”

“…Overall, it is a common problem worldwide for males to have poor oral health behaviours related to lifestyle, knowledge and attitude than females, regardless of age. 18,19 Males are less likely to brush their teeth daily and use ICDs than females and have a higher risk of proximal caries. As the use rate of ICDs was highest among participants in their 30s and 40s, it indicates that individuals in this age group are more interested in maintaining oral health than those in other age groups.…”

Periodontitis-Related Knowledge and Its Relationship with Oral Health Behavior among Adult Patients Seeking Professional Periodontal Care

“…A survey on oral hygiene in the entire Polish population was conducted by Górska and Górski in 2018 (survey in 10 cities). The use of dental floss was reported by 57% of the respondents, interdental brushes by 12%, an irrigator by 8%, and mouthwash by 67% [ 36 ]. These results are similar to ours, particularly in terms of the use of an irrigator and mouthwashes.…”