Comportamentos de saúde oral em adolescentes portugueses

Background The frequency of toothbrushing, use of dental floss and regular dental appointment are important determinants of oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the oral hygiene behaviors in a Portuguese sample of adolescents, namely the prevalence of toothbrushing, use of dental floss and regular dental appointments and the association of these behaviours with socio-demographic aspects. Participants and methods A sample of adolescents attending twenty-six public schools of the district of Viseu, Portugal, was enrolled in this cross-sectional study. In each school we assessed all students from the 7th to the 12th grades aged twelve to eighteen years old. A self-administered questionnaire with questions about oral health behavior, knowledge and socio-economic status was answered by the adolescents in the classroom. We sent 8768 questionnaires and received 7644 (87.2%). The questionnaires without sex and age information and those related to adolescents younger than twelve and older than eighteen years old were excluded from the analysis. The final sample included in the analysis was composed by 7563 adolescents (4117 female). Results The prevalence of toothbrushing (twice-a-day or more) is 23.5%, more frequent in female sex (25.5% vs. 21.2%, p < 0.01). Toothbrushing (twice a day or more) is associated with parents' level of education (< 4 yrs = 18.2%, 4-12 yrs = 23.2% and > 12 yrs = 44.2%, p < 0.01) and residential area (urban = 36.9% and rural = 16.7%, p < 0.01). Daily flossing was reported by 4.4% adolescents, more frequent amongst female sex (4.6% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.05). 37.1% refer never using dental floss, 40.5% uses sometimes and 18.1% as to unknowing the use of dental floss. 86.7% of adolescents visited a dentist during their life, and 55.0% visited once or more times in the previous twelve months. The more frequent reasons referred for the dental appointments in the last months are: 49.8% for a dental check-up, 27.8% when having a toothache and 21.6% for oral treatments. Conclusion These findings showed that oral health behaviors in adolescents are associated with demographic and socio-economic factors. A high proportion of adolescents don't make a routinely dental check-up and visit a dentist only when they have dental pain. Oral hygiene habits were more frequent in female sex. Community-oriented oral health programmes should be considered in order to increase the level of knowledge and to change attitudes related with oral health among adolescents.