A Comparison of Oral Health Behaviors Effects for Demographic and Dental Health-Related Characteristics according to the Usage of Oral Health Convergence Education among Inpatient Alcoholics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare effects of oral health education on oral health behavior according to demographic and dental health-related characteristics in inpatient alcoholics. 62 alcoholic male patients were recruited to 32 patients at education group and 30 at non-education group. To search demographic and dental health-related characteristics, the self-administered structured questionnaires were used, and the survey was conducted before and after the oral health education. The oral health education program was consisted of 40 mins theoretical education and individual tooth brushing training once a week for 4 weeks. The oral health education for alcoholic patients had big effects on oral health behavior. And these results indicate that if oral health program was performed systematically in alcohol counseling centers or alcohol hospitals, more oral health promotion effects will appear.