engleski

Knowledge, motivation and habits in oral hygiene in relation to oral health of young people in Croatia

Aims: The main condition for establishment and maintenance of oral health is patient who is educated and motivated in oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, motivation and habits in oral hygiene of young people in relation to dental status. Materials and methods: The assessment was conducted in the sample of 750 individuals aged 18– 28 in Croatia using the questionnaire and clinical examination according to the recommendation of the WHO. Results: Oral health habits of Croatian young men do not satisfy because only 57% of them brushed their teeth twice a day, only 10% used auxiliary devices and less then half went to dental checkups. Oral health knowledge is limited especially in periodontology.Perception of oral health is at a higher level because more of 80% of them think oral hygiene is necessary and believe they practice it properly. Motivation to keep the natural teeth is also at higher level but although 82% would seek conservative treatment instead of extraction when toothache occurs, still the toothache is the main reason for dental visits (53%) instead of check-ups. Knowledge, habits and motivation positively correlate with clinical status of oral health. Only 20% of population did not need any dental treatment. Conclusions: Although perception of oral health and motivation are at higher level, low-level perception of oral diseases must be improved by educational public dental program.

oral hygiene; oral health

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