Attitudes and behavioural factors relating to toothbrushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste among caries-active Swedish adolescents - a questionnaire study

• Objective: The aim of this study was to identify attitudes and behaviour relating to fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing habits among caries-active Swedish adolescents. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study is based on an earlier clinical, two-year toothpaste intervention study. At the last appointment, 206 adolescents (of 211) answered a questionnaire comprising nine semi-closed questions. Results: The majority (93%) brushed their teeth every day, while 7% did so only occasionally. Most participants (77%) brushed twice a day, while 12% brushed just once a day. About half of those brushing just once a day forgot to brush in the evening. Similarly, more than half of the adolescents (53%) used 1cm of toothpaste or less on their toothbrush. Moreover, 49% brushed for less than 2min, 41% brushed for 2min and 10% for more than 2min. The majority (73%) rinsed with water after toothbrushing. A difference between boys and girls was also observed; 87% of the girls brushed twice a day, whereas only 67% of the boys did so and boys more frequently forgot in the evening. Conclusions: Attitudes and behaviour relating to fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing habits among caries-active Swedish adolescents are still inadequate after two years of toothpaste intervention. There are several areas where improvements can be made, such as frequency of brushing, brushing time, amount of toothpaste and post-brushing procedures. The majority (81%) included 'fresh breath' as a reason for performing oral hygiene and this aspect can be used by dental staff in health promotion.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Attitudes

behaviour

toothbrushing

fluoride toothpaste

toothpaste technique

dental-caries

sweden

adults

ppm

dentifrices

prevention

retention

knowledge

health

plaque

Dentistry

Oral Surgery & Medicine

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)