Differences In Oral Health Behaviour Research Articles

Comparing oral health behaviours of men and women in the United States

ObjectiveThis study used a national database to update and examine current differences in men's and women's oral health and oral health behaviours in the United States. MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the 2017–2018 cycle were used to explore the relationship between males and females and their oral health. Multivariate analyses assessed for gender differences in oral health behaviors between genders after controlling for sample demographic characteristics. ResultsThe final sample consisted of 4,741 participants. Males tended to have fewer dental visits, worse perception of their gum and tooth health, poorer flossing habits, and more root caries. Females were more proactive in visiting dentists and displayed a greater awareness of oral health. Females were less likely to report discussing oral cancer screening with their dentist even though they were screened more often. On examination, males were more often advised to seek urgent dental care than females. All these differences were statistically significant at p<0.05, although the effect size for examination variables was small (Phi <0.1). ConclusionsOral health and oral health behaviours demonstrate gender differences with men reporting poorer oral health, poorer oral hygiene habits, and fewer dental visits. These findings suggest gender-targeted strategies have the potential to improve oral health and reduce gender-related disparities. Clinical SignificanceThis study found that women exhibit better oral health practices and behaviours. These differences may cause a disproportionate burden of oral disease in men and highlight the need for dentists, hygienists, and those interested in dental public health to develop gender-specific strategies to address these inequalities.

Oral Health Behaviours, Knowledge and Attitudes Among Dental College Students in Sulaimani City, Iraq

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the oral health behavior, knowledge, and attitudes of dental college students. &#x0D; Methods: A self-assessment questionnaire was used in this study. Participants were divided into two groups according to their level of study (pre-clinical and clinical). &#x0D; Results: A total of 140 students participated in the study, with 79(56%) pre-clinical and 61(44%) were at the clinical levels. The majority of students reported brushing their teeth (90.7%) with no association between toothbrushing behavior and gender or level of study (P&gt;0.05). The most common tooth brushing frequency was twice daily with no gender association (P&gt;0.05), and a higher percentage of students at clinical levels of the study reported brushing their teeth more than twice daily (P&lt;0.05). The majority of students reported using fluoridated toothpaste (60.7%). In total, about half of the students reported using dental floss with a significant association with the level of study (P&lt;0.01). Tongue cleaning was reported by 69.3% of the students, and about half of the students reported using mouthwashes, and one-fourth of the students reported using Miswak. In total, about half of the students reported their oral health status as “Good”. Routine dental visits and the level of the study were significantly associated (P&lt;0.01). &#x0D; Conclusions: Noticeable differences in oral health behaviors could not be concluded on a statistical basis. Nevertheless, there were areas of oral health behaviors where increased knowledge showed an improvement in health behavior. It is recommended that preventive programs, including self-care regimes, be started from the first year of dental education.

Summary of: Oral health status of non-phobic and dentally phobic individuals; a secondary analysis of the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey.

Introduction The aim of this study was to conduct an exploration of differences in oral health behaviour and outcome between dentally phobic and non-phobic participants in the UK Adult Dental Health Survey (ADHS, 2009). The null hypotheses for this study were that there are no differences in oral health status of non-phobic and dental phobic individuals. Methods The ADHS survey covered the adult population in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and was commissioned by the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care (NHS IC). Dental anxiety was defined using the Modified Dental Anxiety (MDAS) with the cut-off point set at 19 and above as indicating dental phobia. Descriptive statistics were calculated and the chi-square test was used to compare both groups in terms of their demographics, oral health, oral health-related behaviour and attitudes, and treatment. Results More women (16.8% [1,023]) than men (7% [344]) reported dental phobia. Generally, people with dental phobia were in routine occupations (648 [47.7%]), single (402 [29.4%]) and with lower educational attainment (858 [80.9%]). They were irregular attendees (798 [58.5%]), had a less restored dentition, increased numbers of one or more teeth with caries (292 [39.9%]), and were more likely to have PUFA (puss, ulceration, fistulae, abscess) scores of one or more (89 [12.2%]) in comparison to the non-phobic group (314 [5.6%]). However, people with and without dental phobia had similar numbers of sound and missing teeth (34.5% of the phobic group had 20 or more sound teeth in comparison to 31.7% of the non-phobic group). There were significant differences (p <0.001) between the phobic group's and non-phobic group's Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scores with phobic participants having generally higher scores. Additionally, the phobic group responded negatively more commonly about their most recent dental treatment in terms of dentists' ability to listen to their concerns, explaining the reasons for their dental care while paying full attention to their needs by treating them with respect and dignity. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusions Participants reporting dental phobia are mostly females, irregular attendees and have a greater treatment need with increased caries levels.

Oral health status of non-phobic and dentally phobic individuals; a secondary analysis of the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey.

The aim of this study was to conduct an exploration of differences in oral health behaviour and outcome between dentally phobic and non-phobic participants in the UK Adult Dental Health Survey (ADHS, 2009). The null hypotheses for this study were that there are no differences in oral health status of non-phobic and dental phobic individuals. The ADHS survey covered the adult population in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and was commissioned by the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care (NHS IC). Dental anxiety was defined using the Modified Dental Anxiety (MDAS) with the cut-off point set at 19 and above as indicating dental phobia. Descriptive statistics were calculated and the chi-square test was used to compare both groups in terms of their demographics, oral health, oral health-related behaviour and attitudes, and treatment. More women (16.8% [1,023]) than men (7% [344]) reported dental phobia. Generally, people with dental phobia were in routine occupations (648 [47.7%]), single (402 [29.4%]) and with lower educational attainment (858 [80.9%]). They were irregular attendees (798 [58.5%]), had a less restored dentition, increased numbers of one or more teeth with caries (292 [39.9%]), and were more likely to have PUFA (puss, ulceration, fistulae, abscess) scores of one or more (89 [12.2%]) in comparison to the non-phobic group (314 [5.6%]). However, people with and without dental phobia had similar numbers of sound and missing teeth (34.5% of the phobic group had 20 or more sound teeth in comparison to 31.7% of the non-phobic group). There were significant differences (p<0.001) between the phobic group's and non-phobic group's Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scores with phobic participants having generally higher scores. Additionally, the phobic group responded negatively more commonly about their most recent dental treatment in terms of dentists' ability to listen to their concerns, explaining the reasons for their dental care while paying full attention to their needs by treating them with respect and dignity. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Participants reporting dental phobia are mostly females, irregular attendees and have a greater treatment need with increased caries levels.

Qscan&lt;sup&gt;TM&lt;/sup&gt;을 이용한 노인 구강보건교육의 효과

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of oral health education for the elderly using QscanTM. Methods: This study was a quasi-experiment design of nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design carried out by oral health education from January 17 to March 7, 2015. The subjects were 64 elderly people over 65 years old who had more than one remaining teeth in the anterior teeth and canines living in Hongseong-gun and assigned to 33 control group and 31 intervention group. The intervention group was measured only by QscanTM. The educational effect between two groups were evaluated using oral health behavior, gingivitis index, and plaque index. After Institutional Review Board from Namseoul N University, the elderly people participated in the study. Results: The intervention group showed lower plaque index of percent reduction than the control group. The two groups showed a significant difference in gingival index after the oral health education(p<0.05), but did not show a significant difference in oral health behavior after the oral health education(p<0.05). Conclusions: The effect of oral health education through the motivation of QscanTM was very effective in the comparison of oral health behavior, gingival index and plaque index.

Immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

BackgroundWith the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. This study assessed immigrant-native differences in oral health behaviors of urban mothers and their children.MethodsWe used the baseline data of an oral health promotion program to examine the immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from mothers in urban area, Taiwan. A total of 150 immigrant and 440 native mothers completed the self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models analyzed the racial differences in oral health behaviors.ResultsApproximately 37% of immigrant mothers used dental floss, 25% used fluoride toothpaste, and only 13.5% of them regularly visited a dentist. Less that 40% of immigrant mothers brush their children’s teeth before aged one year, 45% replaced child’s toothbrush within 3 months, and only half of the mothers regularly took their child to the dentist. Immigrant mothers had lower level of caries-related knowledge and attitudes than native mothers (p < .001). Compared to native group, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss ([Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.35], fluoride toothpaste (aOR = 0.29), visit a dentist in the past 2 years (aOR = 0.26), and take their children to regular dental check-up (aOR = 0.38); whereas, they were more likely to not consume sweeten beverages (aOR = 3.13).ConclusionsThe level of caries-related knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors were found lower in immigrant mothers than native ones. The findings suggested cross-cultural caries prevention programs aimed at reducing immigrant-native disparities in child oral health care must be developed for these immigrant minorities.

Dental caries and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. It is important to organize community-oriented oral health promotion programs, so that information on oral health status and oral health behavior can be obtained. Aim: To investigate the caries experienced and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and twelve schoolchildren (256 private and 256 government) 12 year old schoolchildren were selected through multistage random sampling procedure. Dental caries was recorded using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)/Decayed, Missing, Filled Surface (DMFS) index. Data on oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavioral practices were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The mean DMFT/DMFS among private schoolchildren (1.90 ± 1.46/3.24 ± 3.18) was significantly higher than the government schoolchildren (1.54 ± 1.34/2.22 ± 2.42). The survey found that 26.95% of the private and 19.53% of the government schoolchildren brushed their teeth regularly (twice a day) with toothbrush and toothpaste. The study participants also reported having hidden sugar at least once a day: Sweets (34.77% of the private schoolchildren and 25% of the government schoolchildren) and tea/coffee with sugar (61.33% of the private schoolchildren and 54.29% of the government schoolchildren). Dental visits of both private and government schoolchildren were poor. Conclusion: The difference in oral health behavior among the private and government schoolchildren may have influenced the DMFT/DMFS values and provided knowledge about the disease experience. In addition to preventing oral disease and promoting oral health, the local health authorities should give priority to school-based community-oriented oral healthcare services.

Differences in oral health behavior and attitudes between dental and nursing students

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the difference in oral health attitudes and behavior between dental and nursing students. Methods: A total of 27 item questions, the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) and additionally 7 questions, were distributed to a total of 253 students, 94 dental and 159 nursing students, from Marmara University. The participating was voluntary based. Results: Seventy-one dental and 157 nursing students were willing to participate to the study. The nursing students were significantly more concerned about the appearance of their teeth (P<0.001), and gums compared to dental students (P<0.001). Percent of agree response to worrying less about visiting dentist (P<0.001), and postponing to go to dentist until they had toothache (P<0.001) were higher in nursing students than in dental ones. More dental students compared to nursing students used a toothbrush with hard bristles (P=0.004), child-sized toothbrushes (P<0.001), brushed each of their teeth carefully (P=0.006) and had used a dye to see how clean their teeth were (P<0.001). Compared to the nursing students, a higher proportion of dental students thought that they could clean their teeth well without using toothpaste (P<0.001). The HU-DBI score of dental students was significantly higher than of nursing students (P<0.001). Dental students showed better oral health attitudes and behavior compared to nursing students. Conclusion: Nursing students have low oral health awareness. More comprehensive courses on oral health care that teach and encourage the students to change their own dental health behavior and attitudes are needed. Key words: Oral health behavior, oral health attitudes, HU-DBI, dental students, nursing students

Relationship between oral health literacy and oral health behaviors and clinical status in Japanese adults

Background/purposeHealth literacy is recognized as an important determinant of health as well as a causal factor in health disparities among different population groups. However, the paucity of information on oral health literacy makes urgent the need for more research on this important topic. The objective of this study was to investigate how oral health literacy relates to oral health behaviors, as well as clinical dental and periodontal condition. Materials and methodsA self-administered questionnaire and dental examination collected information on demographics of 589 adult residents of Akita prefecture, Japan, including: oral health behaviors; oral hygiene status; oral health literacy; number of natural teeth, decayed teeth, and functional tooth units (FTUs); and community periodontal index. ResultsLess than half of the participants knew the Japanese words such as “dental plaque,” “scaling,” “gingivitis,” “fluoride mouth rinsing,” “8020 campaign,” “mouthwash,” and “denture plaque,” or answered “true” in response to the statement: “Scaling is related to periodontal disease.” The higher a participant’s oral health literacy, the more often they brushed their teeth or dentures, self-checked oral condition with a mirror, had regular dental checkups, and the better their oral hygiene status. Furthermore, individuals with higher oral health literacy had higher mean numbers of natural teeth, n-FTUs, and nif-FTUs. Participants with higher oral health literacy also had fewer decayed teeth. Participants with low oral health literacy were more likely to fall into a higher category of the community periodontal index code compared to those with high oral health literacy. ConclusionOur findings indicate that oral health literacy is associated with differences in oral health behaviors and clinical oral health status. An understanding of participants’ oral health literacy levels is crucial for designing effective health educational materials and creating intervention programs to promote oral health.

노인의 구강건강행위가 치주상태에 미치는 영향 - 2010년 국민건강영양조사를 이용하여 -

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey periodontal status using oral health index in the elderly population and determine methods for improving oral health status. Methods: The date collected from 'The fifth korean national health and nutrition examination survey 2010' was analyzed in this study. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19.0 for windows. We determined frequencies and percentage, calculating means, and standard deviations, and determining statistical significance using logistic regression analysis, multiple regression analysis. Results: General characteristics showed differences in oral health behaviors associated with gender, age, residence, education. General characteristics showed differences in periodontal status associated with gender, family type, gender, residence, education. Oral health behaviors showed differences in periodontal status associated with using oral health care products, dental treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, in order to improve oral health of the elderly, the importance and needs of periodontal status should be emphasized. periodontal status related education for the elderly should be operated.

Dental attitudes: proximal basis for oral health disparities in adults

Behavioral science postulates that underlying characteristics of populations, rather than sociodemographic groupings, are more proximal causes of oral health disparities through differing oral health behaviors. To our knowledge this is the first report in the literature that examines longitudinal correlates of oral health and dental care using groups of persons holding similar attitudes and beliefs. The subjects were 873 participants in the Florida Dental Care Study, a longitudinal study of oral health among dentate adults. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified four groups with similar dental attitudes that were labeled 'favorable attitudes about dental care', 'frustrated believers in dental care', 'negative attitudes and cost concerns', 'pessimistic about personal and professional oral care'. The attitudinal groups cut across race, sex, and age with race and educational status the best discriminators among sociodemographic and economic variables. The negative attitude group reported the least preventive care and the largest oral health decrements on clinical examination at baseline and 24 months. The group with favorable attitudes about dental care reported the highest number of preventive and restorative visits and the lowest point-prevalence of toothache pain, temperature sensitivity, and painful gums. The frustrated believers have access to dental care equivalent to the favorable attitude group, but may delay seeking dental care until oral disease becomes more severe, based on their pattern of preventive, restorative, and dental extraction visits. Additional group differences on oral health and dental care are reported. This study takes a novel approach to examining oral healthy disparities. Differences in oral health behaviors support the validity of the groups.

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

The aim of this study is to compare the state of oral health behaviour between genders and to analyse factors associated with oral health behaviour by gender in young adults. Anonymous questionnaire data were collected from 527 adults (245 men and 282 women) aged 20–29 years who consulted dentists in Chiba City. The Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the differences in oral health behaviour and determinants of oral health behaviour between young men and young women. The rate of good behaviour among women were significantly higher than those among men in each oral health behaviour item (toothbrushing frequency p<0.001; using dental floss p=0.042; dental check-ups p<0.001). In women, factors associated with each oral health behaviour were as follows: toothbrushing frequency (family composition p=0.030); using dental floss (dental health knowledge p=0.025, employment status p=0.031), and dental check-ups (age group p=0.024). In men, a significant relationship was seen only between using dental floss and age group ( p=0.025). This study indicated that young women had better oral health behaviour and that more factors were associated with their oral health behaviour in comparison with young men.

Comparison of United States and Korean dental hygiene students using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI)

To compare cross-national differences of dental health behaviour among dental hygiene students. Cross-cultural differences. United States (USA) and Korea. One hundred and twenty-six dental hygiene students in USA and 246 in Korea were surveyed using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) (in English and Korean versions respectively). There were considerable differences in oral health behaviour between USA and Korean dental hygiene students. Of great significance were findings that while only a small proportion of the USA students (1%) reported gum bleeding when they brushed their teeth, 37% of the Korean students did so (P<0.001). Furthermore, only 19% of the Korean students had been told by their dentist that they were performing a high level of plaque control, contrasted with 76% of the USA students. Logistic regression model showed that it was possible to distinguish USA students from Korean peers with a probability of more than 90% by using the HU-DBI. There were considerable differences in dental health attitudes/behaviour among dental hygiene students in the two countries. The variation in the favourable attitudes/behaviour toward oral health appeared to reflect the students' clinical training experience in Korea.

Oral health behavior patterns among Tanzanian university students: a repeat cross-sectional survey.

PurposeThis study examines oral health behavioral trends and the development of sociodemographic differences in oral health behaviors among Tanzanian students between 1999 and 2000.MethodsThe population targeted was students attending the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted and a total of 635 and 981 students, respectively, completed questionnaires in 1999 and 2001.ResultsCross-tabulation analyses revealed that in 1999, the rates of abstinence from tobacco use, and of soft drink consumption, regular dental checkups, and intake of chocolate/candy were 84%, 51%, 48%, and 12%, respectively, among students of urban origin and 83%, 29%, 37%, and 5% among their rural counterparts. The corresponding rates in 2001 were 87%, 56%, 50%, and 9% among urban students and 84%, 44%, 38%, and 4% among rural ones. Multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for sex, age, place of origin, educational level, year of survey, and their interaction terms revealed a significant increase in the rate of soft drink consumption, implementation of oral hygiene measures, and abstinence from tobacco use between 1999 and 2001. Social inequalities observed in 1999, with urban students being more likely than their rural counterparts to take soft drinks and go for regular dental checkups, had leveled off by 2001.ConclusionThis study provides initial evidence of oral health behavioral trends, that may be utilized in the planning of preventive programs among university students in Tanzania.