'I’ve Always Covered My Teeth When I Smile' – Aboriginal Teenagers’ Perspectives of Oral Health

Objectives: Given the slow progress in resolving ongoing disparities in oral health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian adults and children, this presentation will deliver findings from a qualitative research project investigating Aboriginal teenagers’ perspectives of oral health in Perth, Western Australia.
Methods: Twenty two Aboriginal teenagers, 10 females and 12 males, participated in four focus groups and one semi-structured interview at four sites across Perth. A line by line analysis of transcripts of was conducted to identify key themes that were then reviewed and discussed, noting comparisons within and between groups, and interrogated with existing literature.

Results: Key findings indicated participants knew how to mitigate risk factors for oral health by not smoking or taking recreational drugs, reducing sugar intake in food and drinks, regular brushing and flossing of teeth and regular dental check-ups. However, many said they ‘forgot’ or lacked motivation to link knowledge to practice. This was despite comments that healthy teeth were a key factor underpinning self-confidence and ‘looking good’. Sugary drinks were preferred because they ‘taste better’. Findings also indicate that motivators to maintain oral health included parents/carers, past experience of dental disease and respectful attitudes of dental services. Using social media to effectively promote oral health was also noted.
Conclusions: Findings indicate that knowledge about oral health is not enough to change behaviour. Understanding what facilitates or constrains linking knowledge to good oral health practice is important if oral health is to improve in this context. This suggests that researchers, policy makers and health providers need to engage Aboriginal teenagers as key stakeholders in the process.