Changes in the frequency of oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic among teachers

Abstract

Aim: To verify changes in the frequency of oral hygiene among basic education teachers in Minas Gerais during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to gender. Methods: This is a web survey, epidemiological study. Data collection took place from August to September 2020 through digital form. The dependent variable was the frequency of oral hygiene during the pandemic, categorized as: remained the same, increased, and decreased. Multinomial Logistic Regression was performed. Results: In this study, 15,641 teachers participated, 81.9% of whom were women. Regarding the frequency of oral hygiene, 73.4% reported that it remained the same, 20.1% increased, and 6.5% decreased, with no significant difference between genders. The chances of a decrease in the frequency of oral hygiene were greater in women under 60 years of age, those without children, those who tested positive for COVID-19, those with a worsening health during the pandemic, those with an increased body weight during the pandemic, and those who were sad or depressed during the pandemic. Among men, the chances of reduction were greater among those who did not live with a spouse, those with a worsening health during the pandemic, those who were sad or depressed during the pandemic, and among smokers or ex-smokers. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of changes in the frequency of oral hygiene in the pandemic did not differ between men and women, the factors related to the increase and decrease in frequency were different for each sex.