Prevalência de cárie dentária e comportamentos de saúde oral numa amostra de pacientes da Clínica Universitária da UCP

: Viseu

Abstract

Background: The frequency of toothbrushing, use of dental floss, mouthwash andregular dental visit are important determinants of oral health, and these are related tosocio – economic factors. The aim of this study was to assess the manifestation ofbehaviors and oral health indicators in patients of Clinic University of UniversidadeCatólica Portuguesa, relating them to risk factors.Participants and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study where we evaluateda sample of patients at the Clinic University of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Pólode Viseu. We evaluated 130 patients (40.8% female, mean age 42 years ± 5.48) using aquestionnaire containing questions related to oral health behaviors and social status anda clinical examination for analysis of the indexes DMFT, plaque index and communityperiodontal index.Results: The prevalence of tooth brushing (twice a day or more) was 59.2%, morefrequent in female sex (68.5% vs. 45.3%, p <0.05) in patients living in urban areas(77.9% vs. 32.1%) and higher educational level. Thirty-three percent said a comma justbrushing your teeth while neglecting the tongue and gums. Dental floss is used by only26.2% of the population, the female gender being the most used (71.4% vs. 54.2% p<0.05) and only 10.8% used as a complement to brushing flossing and mouthrises. Twopoint three percent of the population says they have never been to the dentist, 22.5% doso regularly. A toothache is referred to as the reason in 36.9% of patients and only39.2% routinely. We obtained an average of 10.78 DMFT and plaque index 60.8%. Conclusions: The oral health behaviors are associated with demographic and socio -economic. The oral hygiene habits are more common in females. A high proportion ofindividuals does not perform routine appointments and go to the doctor only when theyhave toothache. Community programs should be considered in order to improveknowledge and behaviors related to oral health of adults and the elderly and not only inchildren and adolescents

Date of Award	2011
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Jorge Galvão Martins Leitão (Supervisor) & Nélio Jorge Veiga (Co-Supervisor)