Oral Health Knowledge and Behaviour of 18-year-olds in Poland

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health behaviour and knowledge of Polish 18-year-olds. Methods: In 2004 a nation wide study was undertaken, in which 3051 18-year-olds were chosen by stratified random sampling for clinical examination and participation in a questionnaire survey. Participants answered questions concerning factors related to oral health and their own health behaviors. Results: Mean DMFT value was 8,0. Only 2,6% of 18-year-olds were caries free. The study showed that quarter of participants assessed the state of their teeth as good or very good and more than half as satisfactory. More than 60% had visited dental office during the last year. Nearly 45% of those examined had put off a dental visit in spite of a perceived treatment needs. The main reasons for this were fear of pain, socio-cultural factors and ecomomical barriers. Over 90% of respondents brushed their teeth at least once a day (73% twice a day). Most 18 year-olds knew what dental floss is used for, but only 21% actually used it. Nearly 60% assessed their oral hygiene knowledge and skills as limited, 39% as good or very good (36% in urban and 43% in rural areas). Less than half gave correct answers to questions concerning oral hygiene. The dentist/hygienist was the source of oral health and hygiene knowledge in one third of cases. Conclusions: Oral health knowledge among young adults in Poland appears to be insufficient (despite some improvement when compared with the results of earlier studies). It is necessary to introduce more comprehensive programmes of oral health education in schools and dental offices. This study was supported by the Polish Ministry of Health.