Toothbrush Replacement Research Articles

Physiotherapy students’ oral health related knowledge, attitudes and practices at an identified institution of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background Oral self-care health is integral to general health. However limited studies reflect physiotherapy students’ dental practices such as frequency of toothbrushing, toothbrush replacement, use of oral rinses, dental flossing, use of interdental aids or knowledge of dental plaque. Study objectives This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and oral self-care practices among physiotherapy students. This descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited second- third-, and fourth-year physiotherapy students at an identified training institution in South Africa by means of a self-administered questionnaire ResultsA total of 137 students participated in the study with a response rate of 83%. Participants indicated that 58%(n=79) had good knowledge and 85% (n=117) reported oral self-care practices. Almost all participants (99%; n=136) used a brush with toothpaste; 76% (n=104) brushed twice daily; 53% (n=72) replaced their toothbrush every 3 months and 48% (n=66) rinsed their mouth after eating. More than two-thirds of the study sample (62%; n= 84) used an interdental aid and (37%; n=50) reported dental visits once a year with (74%; n=100) only when necessary. From these 96% (n=132) experienced barriers such as costs (54%; n=71) and inadequate time (42%; n = 55). The majority of participants (72%; n=98) supported oral self-care be included in the physiotherapy curriculum. ConclusionAlthough there were inconsistencies in physiotherapy students’ reported oral health-related knowledge, perceptions and self-care practices, the majority of participants supported the inclusion of dental health into the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum. This will enhance interprofessional education and improve oral health outcomes for both students and patients.

Oral Hygiene Habits and Knowledge Among Dentistry Students and Patients: A Questionnaire Study

Purpose: This study aimed to the compare oral hygiene habits, awareness, and knowledge dental students and patients. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at Xxx University, Faculty of Dentistry. The study included 266 participants divided into groups of dental students (n=127) and patients (n=127). A structured questionnaire with 65 multiple-choice questions covering demographic information, oral hygiene habits, awareness, and knowledge about dental care was used. All the statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests, were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26.0). Results: There were significant differences in tooth brushing frequency, time and toothpaste type, tooth brushing technique, product they used for dentures, and frequency of toothbrush replacement between dental students and patients (p

The condition of cervical tooth wear and association with brushing habits among students of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Background: Cervical tooth wear is a common oral health issue that often leads to the loss of tooth structure integrity, making the teeth sensitive, prone to plaque buildup, affecting the dental pulp, and causing aesthetic concerns. Assessing the extent of tooth erosion and its correlation with brushing habits is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of necessary interventions and preventive measures. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of cervical tooth wear in young individuals aged 18-25 and examine the association between brushing habits and cervical tooth wear. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 60 undergraduate students from the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, aged 18 - 25, who visited the Odonto-Stomatology Clinic, Family Medicine Center from November 2020 to April 2021. Study participants were interviewed and provided clinical examinations after obtaining their consent. Results: The study findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of cervical tooth wear (53.3%). Most cases exhibited a severity score 0 (no tooth wear), and no cases were classified as score 4. The highest prevalence of cervical tooth wear was observed in the left mandibular (65.6%). Regarding the association between cervical tooth wear and brushing habits, there was a significant correlation between horizontal brushing technique and brush hardness with cervical tooth wear (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement time, brushing duration, and force applied during brushing with cervical tooth wear (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, the prevalence of cervical tooth wear is relatively high, and there exists a correlation between horizontal tooth brushing habits and brush hardness with the condition of cervical tooth wear. Therefore, implementing preventive measures against cervical tooth wear is crucial for enhancing oral health for everyone. Key words: cervical tooth wear, brushing habits, brush hardness, student.

Oral health status and hygiene practices among visually impaired adolescents from a school in Kenya

BackgroundVisual impairment affects a significant population globally. The aim of this study was to determine the oral health status and oral hygiene practices among visually impaired adolescents from a school in Kenya.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 159 adolescents aged 10–19 years attending the largest public primary boarding school for the blind in Kenya. A questionnaire was used to record participants’ socio-demographic variables and oral hygiene practices. Clinical examination was undertaken to assess oral health status which consisted of oral hygiene, gingival health, and dental caries. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare dental health outcomes across socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsThere were 69 (43.4%) and 90 (56.6%) participants in Category I and II visual impairment respectively, 85 (53.5%) were male and 74 (46.5%) were female. Study participants were divided into three age categories: 10–12 years 48 (30.2%), 13–15 years 67 (42.1%), and 16- 19 years 44 (27.7%), with an overall mean age of 13.9 ± 2.3. All participants brushed their teeth, majority 107 (67.3%) brushed two or more times daily. Only 66 (41.5%) of the participants replaced their toothbrushes at 3 months. Sex (p =< 0.001) and age (p = 0.04) influenced frequency of toothbrush replacement. The average plaque score and gingival score index was 0.95 ± 0.45 and 0.28 ± 0.25 respectively, with gingivitis prevalence of 88.1%. Overall dental caries prevalence was 44.7%, [42.1%)] permanent dentition and [8.2%] deciduous dentition. Mean DMFT and dmft were 0.44 ± 0.60 and 0.12 ± 0.32 respectively. DMFT had a statistically significant association with sex (t = 1.82, p = 0.03). Oral hygiene practices did not influence oral hygiene and dental caries status. However, a statistically significant association was reported between frequency of toothbrush replacement and gingival score index (“p” =< 0.001).ConclusionsThe study reported general good oral hygiene, prevalent gingivitis 140 (88.1%), and almost half of the study population affected by dental caries 71 (44.7%). Most participants were unaware of using fluoridated toothpaste and of needing to change toothbrushes within 3 months. Frequency of toothbrush replacement was reported to influence gingival score index.

Survey on Oral Health Education Knowledge of Family Members and Health Workers Dedicated to Patients with Disabilities.

Over a billion people in the world live with some form of disability and this figure is destined to grow due to the increase in life expectancy. As consequence, the caregiver is taking on an increasingly important role that gains relevance also in the field of oral-dental prevention, being able to promptly identify needs for medical treatment. In some cases, however, the caregiver can be an obstacle to consider in case of a lack of adequate knowledge and commitment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the caregiver level of oral education comparing family members and health workers dedicated to people with disabilities knowledge. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed in five disability service centers and filled alternatively by family members of patients with disability and disability service centers health workers. Two-hundred fifty questionnaires were collected, of which 100 were filled in by family members and 150 by health workers. Data were analyzed by applying the chi-squared (X2) independence test and the pairwise method for missing data. Family members oral education appears better in terms of brushing frequency, toothbrush replacement, and number of dental visits.

Comparative analysis of some parameters of social and dental statuses, behavioral habits of patients presented to a dentist for different reasons

Relevance. The health of the population is an essential criterion of the well-being of society. The high prevalence of dental diseases, which reduce the quality of life, dictates a broader implementation of preventive measures. Correcting the regularity of oral hygiene and consumption of fast digesting carbohydrates can achieve significant results. Purpose – to study some parameters of socio-hygienic, dental statuses and habits of patients who presented to the Health Center.Materials and methods. To achieve the purpose, we interviewed and examined 550 people: 196 men and 354 women aged 18-85 who presented to the Health Center of Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Hospital No. 3. The study analysed the structure of patients' visits to dentists and determined dental caries prevalence and intensity. The following definition was chosen to assess the behavioral habits of patients: the frequency of oral care during the day, the frequency of consuming fast digesting carbohydrates, the rate of toothbrush replacement. Statistical data was processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 18.0 software package.Results. 9.45% of patients exhibited low motivation for dental check-ups, most pronounced at a young age – 30,02 ± 2,00 years. The best motivation to visit a dentist for a dental check-up was among young people with higher or incomplete higher educa-tion – 57,7%. Visits to dentists for unspecified reasons were most pronounced in patients with primary or secondary education – 63,8%. The patients who presented for a dental check-up and prophylaxis exhibited the lowest caries intensity rate – 9,27 ± 1,01, and there were statistically significant differences in the DMF index depending on the education of the respondents (p = 0,016), including the components of the "F" and "M" (p &lt; 0,001). Patients, who come for regular dental check-ups, have better oral hygiene, but very few of them limit the consumption of fast digesting carbohydrates.Conclusions. The patient motivation for dental check-ups is extremely low and depends on age and education. Patients, who visit dentists for a check-up, have the lowest intensity of dental caries and statistically significant differences in the components of the DMF index depending on education.The establishing of health centres in the domestic health care system to promote a healthy lifestyle in Russian citizens, including smoking and alcohol consumption reduction, allows using their organisational, methodological and material and technical capabilities for further studying the issues of dental disease prevention, creating the most balanced questionnaires and other tools for assessing and monitoring dental health.

Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among Yemeni school students

Aim: Oral health is fundamental to general health and well-being. However, the sources of oral health information among Yemenis are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among secondary school students in Dawan Valley, Yemen. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 392 secondary school students. Students were interviewed using structured questionnaires in Arabic. The structured questionnaires included inquiries on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices. Chi-square test was used to assess significant differences in oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices with respect to gender. Results: The study population comprised 392 participants of 15–22 years' age group. Approximately 87% of students reported brushing their teeth daily. Girls showed better oral hygiene practices compared with boys in terms of daily brushing habit, brushing intervals, and toothbrush replacement (P = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). Statistically significant difference (in favor of females) was observed related to knowledge on the impact of dental diseases on the general health, toothbrushing preventing dental decay, sugar consumption possibly leading to dental decay, bleeding during brushing possibly indicating gum diseases, and effects of smoking and khat chewing on oral health (P = 0.009, 0.020, 0.001, 0.001, 0.002, and 0.023, respectively). Conclusion: The majority of students possess an adequate level of knowledge and practices on oral health, with female students showing predominance. However, regular visits to the dentist remain low among the study participants.

Better Oral Hygiene Habits Are Associated With a Lower Incidence of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis.

Some peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis cases are thought to be caused by the pathogens in the oral cavity; however, the relationship between peritonitis and oral hygiene habits is unclear. In this study, we retrospectively examined the relationship between oral hygiene habits and peritonitis in patients who agreed to a questionnaire survey. Of the 75 patients, 37 patients developed PD-related peritonitis during the observation period. Peritonitis-free survival was significantly higher in patients who spent more time on oral hygiene daily and in patients who replaced their toothbrush more frequently (P < 0.05). According to multivariable analysis, increased daily oral hygiene duration and more frequent toothbrush replacement were associated with a significantly (P < 0.01) lower risk for peritonitis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37 [95% CI, 0.18-0.77] and HR 0.35 [95% CI, 0.17-0.70], respectively). In conclusion, PD patients with superior oral hygiene habits showed a lower risk for PD-related peritonitis.

Hierarchizing caries risk factors among first-year university students in Nice\xa0(France): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to rank the risk factors for dental caries among first-year university students in Nice (France).MethodsAll first-year students are required to undergo a compulsory preventive medical examination. Among these students, volunteers were offered a dental visit. Information was collected through an interview followed by an oral examination. We assessed the volunteers’ oral hygiene habits (daily toothbrushing frequency, type of toothbrush used, frequency of toothbrush replacement, place of toothpaste purchase, and flossing), daily health-related behaviors (number of main daily meals, daily sugary intakes, smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of cannabis or other drugs), oral-health-related behaviors (self-reported oral health, dental visits during the past year, reason for the last dental consultation, and failure to seek dental care due to financial reasons), and oral health issues (dental crowding, oral hygiene, presence of caries, presence of pit and fissure sealant remnants). The dependent variable was the presence of at least one untreated carious lesion. The data were subjected to univariate analyses to select explanatory variables, and subsequently, a logistic regression was performed.ResultsSix hundred twenty-nine students aged 18.8±1.6 years were enrolled in this study. The sex ratio was 0.72, with a strong predominance of the female gender. Only 59.3% of the students had never experienced dental caries, while 22.4% had already undergone restorative procedures and did not have any carious lesion at the time of the examination, and 11.6% presented with carious lesions and had never been treated by a dentist. Lastly, 6.7% had carious lesions despite evidence of prior restorative procedures. The multivariate analysis revealed the following pejorative risk factors: failure to seek dental care due to financial reasons (OR:3.06, 95% CI: 1.40–6.70), poor oral hygiene revealed during the oral examination (OR:2.59, 95% CI: 1.60–4.20), and poor self-reported oral health (OR:2.43, 95% CI: 1.24–4.77). Conversely, the analysis revealed the following protective factors: preventive visits to the dentist (OR:0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.99), the use of an electric toothbrush (OR:0.36, 95% CI: 0.17–0.77), and sealant remnants (OR:0.22, 95% CI: 0.05–0.97).ConclusionsThe highest-ranking caries risk factor for the study population was the financial barrier.

일부지역 대학생(국내 대학생과 외국인 유학생)의 칫솔질 행태와 구강건강상태의 융합적 연구

본 연구는 대학생(국내 및 국외)의 칫솔질 행태와 구강건강상태의 관련성을 SPSS WIN 12.0 분석한 결과 유의성이 있는 결과를 얻었다. 연령은 20-23세에서 성별은 여성이 올바른 칫솔질 형태가 높게 나타났다. 대학생(국내 및 국외)은 국내 대학생이 3번 이상 칫솔질, 점심 후 칫솔질, (치아, 잇몸, 혀) 닦는 경우, 3개월 안에 칫솔교체, 칫솔갯수 3개 이상, 칫솔질 교육을 받은 경우 높았다. Decayed Teeth index는 외국인 유학생, 점심 후 칫솔질과 칫솔질 교육이 '무', 치약 선택 시 고려가 높았고 Filled Teeth index는 20-23세, 여학생, 국내 대학생, 3번 이상 칫솔질, 점심 후 칫솔질과 칫솔질 교육이 '무'가 높았다. Missing Teeth index는 20-23세, 3개월 안에 칫솔교체가 낮았다. 다중회귀분석 결과 Y(DT index)=4.541-1.074(여성)+2.359(외국인 유학생)로 분석되었다. 따라서 대학생의 구강건강 증진을 위해 올바른 칫솔질행태에 대한 체계적인 교육이 이루어져야 할 것이다. This study, As a result of the SPSS WIN 12.0 analysis, significant results were obtained the relationship between tooth brushing behaviors and oral health status of college students (domestic and overseas). If age was 20-23 years old and women were high the correct toothbrushing behaviors. If domestic students was higher in more than 3times toothbrushing, toothbrushing after lunch, toothbrushing, toothbrush replacement within 3months, toothbrush more than 3, received toothbrushing education. Decayed Teeth index is higher if foreign student, toothbrushing after lunch and receive toothbrushing education is 'no', consider selecting toothpaste. Filled Teeth index is higher if the 20-23 years old, female, domestic students, more than 3times toothbrushing, toothbrushing after lunch and receive toothbrushing education is 'no'. Missing Teeth index is the lowest if 20-23 years, toothbrush replacement within 3months. Results were analyzed by multiple regression Y(Decayed Teeth index)=4.541-1.074((Female)+2.359(foreign students). Therefore, this should be made systematic training on proper toothbrushing behavior to improve the oral health of university students.

CHANGES IN ORAL HYGIENE HABITS OVER A DECADE IN TURKEY

Ponte Academic JournalNov 2017, Volume 73, Issue 11 CHANGES IN ORAL HYGIENE HABITS OVER A DECADE IN TURKEYAuthor(s): Gulden Eres ,Ceren Su Akgun Demirtas, Ayca Dilara Yilmaz, Ilkim KaradagJ. Ponte - Nov 2017 - Volume 73 - Issue 11 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.11.34 Abstract:According to the 2014 Turkey Country Report, beauty and personal care recently achieved strong improvement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the use of oral hygiene aids over a decade. The study population was randomly chosen from among patients aged 18-80 who were referred to the admission desk of our faculty of dentistry. In total, 662 patients (362 women) were interviewed face to face from 2003-2004 (first survey). The interview inquired about oral care habits at home, oral care product use and the education level of the participants. A similar interview was performed with 749 participants (411 women) from 2013-2014 (second survey), and an effort was made to include similar numbers of males and females with similar ages as in the first survey. The data from the first and second surveys were compared based on the participa ts� education level, and the results showed a significant difference in the use of manual and power toothbrushes in the second survey (p=0.001). Moreover, the number of participants brushing their teeth twice per day was significantly different from the number of those brushing less at both time points (p=0.001). The number of participants using dental floss once per day was lower than the number of those not flossing at both time points (p=0.003 and p=0.001). Additionally, a comparison of the numbers of subjects using mouthwash at the two time points revealed statistically significant differences (p=0.003, p=0.001, and p=0.007) among the three education levels, with higher use in the second survey. Finally, the frequency of toothbrush replacement was significantly different at both time points (p=0.004 and p=0.001) among the three types of education levels. Our results thus revealed inadequate progress concerning optimum oral hygiene practices. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

The effect of oral health educational pictures and video on periodontal health and behavior of school children

Background: Oral health education for students is a fundamental role for maintaining and raising perfect oral health and pre- venting oral diseases in future. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of oral health educational pictures and video on periodontal health and behavior in dentition of 12-years old school children in Baghdad city. Materials and methods: Oral examination was conducted on (128) children of (Al-Yamama) primary school in Baghdad city. They were divided into four equal groups, each one consisting of (32) children. The first oral examination was done in first visit to chil- dren (pre-test). The community periodontal index (CPITN) scores were used to evaluate periodontal health status of children. Then, the first and second groups, experimental groups, were received instruction about oral health enhancement with education- al program (pictures and video clip) regularly for one month. The third and fourth groups, control groups, were received instruction about oral health enhancement only regularly for one month. The second oral examination was done after one month to children (post-test). Also, questionnaire were given to assess oral health behaviors of children in pre- and post- tests. Results: Clinical examination display that CPITN of experimental groups (1, 2) was lower with healthier gingiva when compared with control groups (3, 4) with statistical significant differences between pre and post-tests (P-value <0.005). The percentages of using tooth brush and paste, frequency of teeth cleaning at day, time taking for cleaning teeth, preferable time of cleaning, brush- ing technique, tooth brush replacement, cause of tooth brushing and using of dental floss were improved in post-test in all groups in comparison with pre-test especially in the experimental groups (1, 2). Conclusion : Results of this study clearly reflect the proposed positive effect of the educational program in the lowering CPITN indices scores among the participants in the experimental group. Results of this study also provide another clue that combination of instruction about oral health enhancement with educational program (pictures and video clip) that represent new strategies for community oral health education; which could be targeted in order to enhance the effect of the oral health education campaigns directed to primary school children.

English

Proper tooth brushing technique along with tooth brush replacement at recommended intervals may help to protect the accumulation of plaque and reduce the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis. We aimed to determine the frequency of tooth brush change and the variables associated with this practice in population living in Karachi. A cross sectional study was conducted among dental Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (OPD) visitors of DIKIOHS in Karachi, from, March to May, 2015. A total of 232 participants were selected by using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected by using a semi structured pretested questionnaire. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors related to tooth brush changing were identified by applying logistic regression model. Majority of participants (65%) were changing tooth brush at every 3 months. After adjusting socio-demographic and dental variables, the odds of changing tooth brush within 3 months among participants who brush more than twice a day, were 3 times more (AOR= 3.49, CI= 1.054 &ndash; 11.571) as compared to those who brush once a day. The other factors that showed significant association in multivariate analysis were people who had monthly income &gt;50,000 Pakistan rupees, users of other mouth cleaning aids and people using tooth brush with soft bristles. This study concluded that majority of the participants were changing their tooth brush at recommended intervals and different variables (demographic, socioeconomic and dental) are associated with the frequency of tooth brush changing.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Tooth brush change, oral hygiene variables, Karachi.

The Influence of Social and Living Environment on Development of Oral Hygiene Habits in People Over The Age of 65

Abstract Introduction. Oral health largely depends on proper hygiene, which in elderly people is not different from generally accepted standards, however, must be adjusted to specific conditions in oral cavities of the elderly. Aim. The aim of the study was the assessment of oral hygiene habits in people over the age of 65 residing in Lublin Nursing Homes and in family homes basing on questionnaire survey. Material and methods. The study was conducted among 240 people over the age of 65: 117 residents of the four Lublin Nursing Homes (group I) and 123 seniors living in their own homes in Lublin (group II). Assessment of the oral hygiene habits was conducted basing on the questionnaire survey concerning the frequency of tooth brushing, type of toothpaste, the use of additional oral aids as well as the frequency of toothbrush replacement. Results. Questionnaire survey revealed that seniors residing in Nursing Homes who had their own teeth most frequently brushed them once daily e.g. 37.25%, whereas the surveyed who lived in their family homes twice daily – 47.67%. In both groups the people who brushed their teeth used fluoride toothpastes. Additional oral hygiene aids were used by 31.71% of the surveyed living with their families. Both, the residents of Nursing Homes and those who lived with their families most frequently reported replacing their toothbrushes at least every 3 months. Conclusions. Nursing Homes residents essentially more frequently revealed considerable neglect and irregularities in oral hygiene in comparison to seniors living with their families. Population of elderly people, especially residents of nursing homes, should be provided with complex dental care.

교정환자의 구강건강관리에 관한 지식도와 태도 및 구강위생용품 사용실태

Objectives : Purpose of this research is to determined the general knowledge on oral health and the usage of oral hygiene products in the orthodontic patients and try to provide an appropriate oral hygiene products for the patients. Methods : Orthodontic patients who visited a dental clinic in Daejeon were selected and data from 352 patients were collected. Questionnaire based on survey was conducted from 1st of March to 30th in 2011 and all the data was analysed by using SPSS statistical program (VER 15.0). Frequency analysis, test, T-test and the amount of diurnal variance analysis (one-way ANOVA) were also used. After that, scheffe`s post-test method was conducted. Results : According to the general characteristics of oral health care knowledge score was , the attitude score was . toothbrush replacement cycle were less than 3 months (p

어머니의 구강보건관리행태가 초등학교 아동의 치아우식에 미치는 영향

Objectives : By analyzing the affects of the mother's oral care to the caries experiences of the elementary school children, To looking for the way to prevent dental caries in the primary school, to provide baseline data to perform the associated oral health education. Methods : Between the 3,676 children's dental check-up data and the 2,934 survey of parents from 9 elementary schools in the the Gyeonggi Province, the exactly matching data of 2,358 pairs, children versus mothers, were analyzed during the period, 2009 May 4 to July 20, By using the PASW 18(SPSS-PC 18), Frequency analysis of the collected data, and cross-analysis, ANOVA, Bonferroni post-analysis was performed. Results : The findings of the study were as follows. 1. In children, the ratio(DMF rate)of the dental caries experience in permanent teeth, appeared higher for men than women. Divided by grade level, the ratio of caries experience in the permanent teeth(DMF rate) generally appear higher in older than young. Thus between the child's gender and grade level by the ratio of caries experience in the permanent teeth(DMF rate) showed the statistically significant differences (p<0.05). 2. Between the socioeconomic characteristics of mothers and the children's level of dental caries experiences, not showed the statistically significant difference.(p>0.05). 3. The significant difference showed between the dental caries levels of the children and the mother's oral health care behavior - a toothbrush replacement period, mother's broken teeth, mothers guidances of the brushing after snacks for children(p<0.05). Conclusions : The mother's oral health attitudes and behaviors can affect to their children's oral care habits. Therefore The mother themselves should have the right proper habit of oral health care, so that in oral health care mothers should be the model for their children. Institutionally more systematic and detailed oral health educational program in conjunction with the family is needed.

An assessment of oral self-care in the student population of a Turkish university

The aim of this study was to determine the oral health behavior of Turkish non-dental university students. A sample of 610 non-dental university students attending the University of Ondokuz Mayis in Samsun were randomly selected from the whole student population (n=12604) via the random number method. The students were asked to fill out a standardized self-completion questionnaire about daily frequency of toothbrushing, kind of toothbrush, frequency of toothbrush replacement, frequency of dental flossing, use of antibacterial rinse, or any other oral hygiene aid, receiving of oral hygiene instruction and frequency of oral check-up. The data were analysed using the SPSS version 12.0.1 statistical software package. Sixty-eight per cent of the students brushed their teeth two or more times per day. Two or more times a day toothbrushing was more common among females than males (P<0.001). Few subjects (3%) used dental floss daily. Forty per cent of students used only the toothpick as an interdental oral hygiene device. Thirty per cent of the students visited a dentist for preventive treatment at least once a year. There was no significant difference in regularity of visits to the dentist between females and males (P>0.05). This study indicated that self-preventive oral behaviour of the Turkish university student is at a lower level than in industrialized countries.

Histological evaluation of the effects of intrasulcular toothbrushing on human sulcular epithelium : FRY H. R. and APP G. R. J. Periodontol.49 (1978) 163–173

The aim of this study was to determine the oral health behavior of Turkish non-dental university students.A sample of 610 non-dental university students attending the University of Ondokuz Mayis in Samsun were randomly selected from the whole student population (n=12 604) via the random number method. The students were asked to fill out a standardized self-completion questionnaire about daily frequency of toothbrushing, kind of toothbrush, frequency of toothbrush replacement, frequency of dental flossing, use of antibacterial rinse, or any other oral hygiene aid, receiving of oral hygiene instruction and frequency of oral check-up. The data were analysed using the SPSS version 12.0.1 statistical software package.Sixty-eight per cent of the students brushed their teeth two or more times per day. Two or more times a day toothbrushing was more common among females than males (P<0.001). Few subjects (3%) used dental floss daily. Forty per cent of students used only the toothpick as an interdental oral hygiene device. Thirty per cent of the students visited a dentist for preventive treatment at least once a year. There was no significant difference in regularity of visits to the dentist between females and males (P>0.05).This study indicated that self-preventive oral behaviour of the Turkish university student is at a lower level than in industrialized countries.