Association between oral health behavior during pregnancy and premature birth based on case-control study / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship between maternal oral health behavior during pregnancy and premature birth. 【Methods】 A total of 248 preterm and 700 non-preterm pregnant women who delivered in Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Shaanxi Province from January to December 2022 were included in case group and control group, respectively. General demographic characteristics and oral health behavior during pregnancy were collected by questionnaires, and the oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to assess the oral health related life quality of pregnant women. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal oral health behavior during pregnancy and premature birth. 【Results】 During pregnancy, maternal frequent eating after brushing teeth (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.03-2.57), unused fluoride toothpaste (OR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.25-3.05), late visit to the doctor for oral discomfort (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.02-1.96), brushing teeth less than twice one day (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.13-2.78) or less than 3 minutes each time (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.09-2.11), and elevated OHIP-14 score (OR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.04-1.10) increased the risk of premature birth. 【Conclusion】 Poor oral health behavior during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth. Therefore, more efforts should be made to publicize oral health knowledge and guide pregnant women to establish good oral health habits so as to improve oral health and promote maternal and child health.

Influence of small-group experiential learning of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on the oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of elderly patients with diabetes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the oral health problems of elderly patients with diabetes. A training course of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine was constructed, helping patients improve their oral health quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective experimental study was conducted. A total of 190 elderly patients were divided randomly into an observation group and a control group with 95 cases in each. The control group received regular health education, while the observation group was based on the control group to implement the integrated experiential learning of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in small groups. The oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, and blood glucose control status along with the oral health quality of life of the two groups were compared before the intervention and at 3-month postintervention. RESULTS: Three months after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose control and the 2-h postprandial blood glucose/glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the observation group were significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The oral health quality of life in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The small-group experiential learning model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine can promote the transformation of knowledge-beliefs-behaviors in elderly patients with diabetes, which is conducive to controlling blood sugar levels and improving the quality of oral health.

Development and Validation of Perceived Oral Health Benefits on Yoga Scale (POBYS) / Desenvolvimento e validação da Escala de Benefícios da Saúde Oral Percebidos no Yoga (POHBYS)

Objective: Sustained practice of Yoga leads to self-awareness, physical strength and high sense of energy. Yoga stimulates antioxidant levels in the body and reduces likelihood of dental disorders. No research has been undertaken connecting perception on yoga and oral health behaviors. The present study is an attempt to develop a psychometric scale entitled Perceived Benefits on Yoga Scale (PBYS) to measure individuals' perception on Yoga in relation to oral health behaviors. Material and methods: The psychometric tool was developed based on the concepts of Health Benefit Model (HBM). Among the four components of the model, the present study considered "perceived benefits" component. A total of 206 individuals participated in the study. To analyze the scale theoretically, face and content validity were assessed. Reliability of the scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficient. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity was tested. Cronbach alpha and Spearman- Brown coefficient were applied to test the reliability of scale. Results: There were six items in the final scale, with a Spearman- Brown coefficient of 0.92 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation was found between POBYS scores and Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES). Validity of scale is within accepted range as indicated by Goodness of Fit indices. Conclusion: POBYS is a reliable and valid measure of perception on yoga outcomes with specific reference to oral health behavior. (AU)

Objetivo: A prática continua de Yoga leva ao autoconhecimento, força física e a sensação de energia elevada. O yoga estimula os níveis de antioxidantes no corpo e reduz a probabilidade de desordens dentais. Nenhuma pesquisa foi realizada conectando a percepção sobre o yoga e os comportamentos da saúde bucal. O presente estudo é uma tentativa de desenvolver uma escala psicométrica intitulada Escala de Benefícios Percebidos no Yoga (PBYS) para medir a percepção dos indivíduos sobre o Yoga em relação aos comportamentos da saúde bucal. Material e Métodos: A ferramenta psicométrica foi desenvolvida com base nos conceitos do Modelo de Benefícios à Saúde (HBM). Dentre os quatro componentes do modelo, o presente estudo considerou o componente "benefícios percebidos". Participaram do estudo 206 indivíduos. Para analisar teoricamente a escala, foram avaliadas a validade de face e de conteúdo. A confiabilidade da escala foi testada usando o alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown. Usando análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória, a validade do construto foi testada. O alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown foram aplicados para testar a confiabilidade da escala. Resultados: Havia seis itens na escala final, com coeficiente de Spearman-Brown de 0,92 e alfa de Cronbach de 0,91. Estatisticamente significativo (p <0,001) foi encontrada correlação positiva entre os escores do PBYS e a Escala de Autoeficácia do Yoga (YSES). A validade da escala está dentro da faixa de aceitabilidade conforme indicado pelos índices de Goodness of Fit. Conclusão: PBYS é uma medida confiável e válida de percepção sobre os resultados do yoga com referência específica ao comportamento de saúde bucal. (AU)

The primary investigation and experiment of a community-based family dentist model for children aged 1-3 years old in Wuhan / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To explore the effect of a community family doctor model on caries management for children aged 1 to 3 years in Wuhan, and to provide basis for community prevention and control of children’s caries.@*Methods@#Using stratified randomization and paired sampling, 1 000 children aged 1 to 3 years were selected from the core community of the Wuhan Donghu High-tech Zone. The trial group was followed up 4 times a year at home or in the clinic, and the control group was followed up only at the baseline and the endpoint (2 years later). Caries and caries status were examined at baseline and 2 years later, and brushing behavior was investigated by questionnaire. @* Results @#The prevalence/dmft in the test group and control group after two years were 15.8%/1.41 and 46.6%/3.25, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The frequency with which parents helped their children to brush in the test group improved significantly compared to that of the control group.@* Conclusion @#For children aged 1 to 3 years, the dental family doctor model of caries prevention is economical and effective, and its application and promotion are recommended.

Association of mothers’ parenting practices and clinical and reported oral health outcomes in primary-school age girls

Purpose: This study was to assess the relationship between mothers’ positive parenting, disciplining, and authoritative parenting practices and clinically assessed and child-reported oral health in a primary school-age girl. Methods: A crosssectional study included girls in primary schools in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, in 2018. Clinical examination assessed caries experience in primary and permanent teeth, plaque, and gingivitis. The girls responded to questionnaires assessing sociodemographic background, dental behaviors, and reported oral health outcomes. Three questionnaires assessed the frequency of disciplining practices, positive parenting practices, and authoritative parenting. Multivariate general linear regression was used to assess the relationship between outcome variables (clinical and child-reported outcomes) and explanatory variables (parenting practices) controlling for confounders (sociodemographic variables and dental behaviors). Results: The response rate was 92.5% (284/307). The girls were 11 years on average, with 62% nonuniversity educated fathers and mothers. Frequent disciplining was associated with impact on daily life (B = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05, 0.65) and poorer perceived dental health (B = −0.20, 95% CI = −0.39, −0.001). Authoritative parenting was associated with fewer permanent teeth with caries experience (B = −0.07, 95% CI = −0.12, −0.02). Frequent positive parenting practices were associated with more sound primary teeth (B = 1.46, 95% CI= 0.15, 2.77), fewer sound permanent teeth (B = −2.66, 95% CI = −4.36, −0.96), and better perceived dental health (B = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.60). Conclusion: Authoritative parenting was associated with good clinical oral health outcomes and frequent disciplining was negatively associated with child-reported outcomes. Frequent positive parenting practices had a positive association with the health of primary teeth but not permanent teeth.

An epidemiological investigation of the oral health behavior of 7 680 adolescents aged 12-15 years in Guangdong Province / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @# To investigate the oral health behavior of urban and rural students in the 12~15 year age group in Guangdong Province, aiming to provide informational support for adolescent oral health care.@*Methods @#A multistage stratified sampling method with equal capacity and simple random sampling was applied to obtain representative samples. A total of 7 680 students aged 12 to 15 were selected from Guangdong Province, with 1 920 in each age group of 12, 13, 14 and 15 years; half were male and half were female, and half were from urban areas and half were from rural areas. According to the Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiology Questionnaire Survey Program, a standard questionnaire was designed to conduct on-the-spot investigations on sugar intake, brushing, dental floss usage, fluoride toothpaste usage.@*Results @#① Eating before a meal and before bed: the proportion of sweet snacks, sweet drinks and sugary drinks consumed ≥2 times/day was higher in the rural group than in the urban group (P < 0.001), with only sugary drinks consumed significantly differently by age (P < 0.001). ② The rural group had a significantly lower proportion of brushing ≥ 2 times/day, flossing habits and fluoride toothpaste habits than the urban @*Conclusions@#Among the students aged 12 to 15 in Guangdong Province, the rural group had a higher proportion of consuming desserts, sweet drinks and sweetened drinks. The proportion of brushing ≥ 2 times/day was lower, and the usage rate of floss and fluoride toothpaste was lower.

Elucidating the relationship of gingivitis and dental calculus with the periodontal health of 12-year-old children / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate factors related to the periodontal health of 12-year-old children.METHODS: In 2015, the Korean Children's Oral Health Survey from the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare conducted a nationwide representative sample comprised of 23,702 12-year-old children. The calibration-trained dentists examined the gingivitis and dental calculus of the children taking into consideration of the Löe and Silness gingival index to diagnose gingivitis with a modified gingivitis scale. We used questionnaires to collect data from the children on dental treatments, the experience of dental pain and gingival bleeding, self-perceived oral health, and oral health behaviors. Data were analyzed using a complex samples Chi-square test, general linear model, and logistic regression. Significance was determined at P < 0.05.RESULTS: The prevalence of gingivitis was higher among males (OR 1.57), among children with poor perception (OR 1.19), dental calculus (OR 3.68), or gingival bleeding experience (OR 2.00), and among children not using dental floss (OR 1.69) or tongue cleaner (OR 1.90). The prevalence of dental calculus was higher among children with gingivitis (OR 3.82) and among children who had not visited a dental clinic in the preceding year (OR 1.31). However, dental calculus was lower among children with a higher frequency of daily toothbrushing (OR 0.75), intake of cariogenic foods (OR 0.90), or a higher DMFT index (OR 0.91).CONCLUSIONS: Children with dental calculus and gingival bleeding who did not visit a dental clinic in the preceding year also had a higher prevalence of gingivitis and dental calculus. The prevalence of children's dental calculus was lower among children with a high frequency of daily toothbrushing.

Correlation between oral health behaviors and problematic experiences associated with smartphone use in adolescents / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the correlation between oral health behaviors and problematic experiences associated with smartphone use in adolescents. METHODS: Raw data from the 13th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were used. The data were analyzed using a composite sample-planning file. Statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between family conflicts due to the use of smartphones and brushing teeth after lunch and twice a day. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between peer conflict experiences due to the use of smartphone and brushing teeth twice a day. Academic difficulties of adolescents due to the use of smartphone were negatively correlated with using supplementary oral hygiene devices and brushing teeth twice a day. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above results, we confirmed that problematic experiences associated with the use of smartphone are correlated with oral health behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to plan ways to reduce the excessive use of smart phones in adolescents. In addition, it is necessary to develop an efficient tooth-brushing management system that incorporates the use of smartphones or modern devices.

Periodontal health status of adolescents aged 15 years in Jinju city / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of adolescents aged 15 years in Jinju city. METHODS: The study subjects were 506 adolescents aged 15 years in Jinju city. We investigated the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. Data on the frequency of daily tooth-brushing were collected through self-reported questionnaires. The information obtained on both the periodontal health status and frequency of daily toothbrushing of adolescents in Jinju city was compared with the data from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015 (KNHANES-VI). The software utilized in the analysis was SPSS version 23. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The rate of healthy periodontal status in Jinju city was lower compared to KNHANES-VI (57.7% versus 63.7%). The rate of gingival bleeding in Jinju city and KNHANES-VI was 11.3% and 10.8%, respectively. The rate of calculus in Jinju city and KNHANES-VI was 31.0% and 25.6%, respectively. The rates of gingival bleeding and calculus were not significantly different between Jinju city and KNHANES-VI. The healthy periodontal segments in Jinju city were more than those in KNHANES-VI (5.43 versus 5.25). The bleeding periodontal segments in Jinju city were less than those in KNHANES-VI (0.25 versus 0.45). However, the periodontal segments with calculus in Jinju city were not significantly different from those of KNHANES-VI (0.31 versus 0.30). The frequency of daily tooth-brushing in Jinju city was more than that in KNHANES-VI (2.67 versus 2.47). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that appropriate oral health education should be widely conducted to promote periodontal health in adolescents.

Effect of social support and self-esteem on the oral health behaviors of Korean elderly people / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the oral health behaviors and the relationships between social support, self-esteem, and oral health behaviors. METHODS: The institutions were selected based on the “2016 Elderly Welfare Facilities Status.” A total of 195 people participated in interviews conducted using a 39-item questionnaire. It included information on the following topics: a) sociodemographic and health-related characteristics (11 items), b) oral health behaviors (6), c) social support (12), and d) self-esteem (10). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, a reliability test, a t-test, an ANOVA, a Pearson's correlation test, and a stepwise multiple regression, conducted using the SPSS 23.0 program. RESULTS: Of the 195 participants, 165 (84.6%) brushed their teeth twice a day; however only 74 (38.0%) participants used oral care products. Although many (64.6%) elderly people visited a dentist at least once a year, only a few (24.6%) visited the dentist for preventive purposes. Oral health behaviors had a positive correlation with self-esteem, significant others' support, and friends'support (.337, .270, and .254, respectively; P<.01). According to the multiple regression analysis, self-esteem, significant others' support, perceived health status, number of existing permanent teeth, friends' support, degree of exercise, gender, and average monthly expenditure had a significant effect on the participants' oral health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that social support and self-esteem might be major predictors of oral health behaviors. These results suggest that psychosocial factors need to be taken into account in the oral health education provided for elderly people.

Relationship between Snack Intake and Oral Health Behavior of Middle School Students in Gyeonggi Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The study was performed to investigate the relationship between snack intake and oral health behavior in middle school students in Gyeonggi-do area. METHODS: The survey questionnaire was recorded by middle school students from July 6 to August 24, 2011. The questionnaire included items on general characteristics, snack intake status, and oral health behavior. Among collected survey questionnaire, a total of 620 questionnaires (320 males and 300 females) were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 program. RESULTS: Frequencies of snack and beverage intakes were significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). Oral health behavior was significantly higher in students with lower snack intake compared to those with higher or average snack intake (p < 0.05). Oral health behavior for tooth brushing and toothbrush care were significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral health behavior score that reflected better oral health of the subjects were higher as the snack intake was lower. Oral health behavior score was higher in females than in males. We conclude that the contents for oral health and nutrition education focused on snack intake need to be developed to induce changes in oral health behavior in middle school students.

The relationship between oral health behavior, smoking, and periodontal diseases in Koreat middle-aged mee: based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2015 / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and periodontal diseases in Korean middle-aged men based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2015. METHODS: The study subjects were 708 men aged 40 years and over and whose data included oral health behavior (status), community periodontal index, and smoking status. The statistical analyses were conducted by applying a complex sample analysis technique. RESULTS: In terms of the relationship between smoking and periodontal status, the risk of periodontitis was 1.99-fold higher in those aged 50 years and over. It was also 1.17-fold higher for the chewing problem “Average,” 2.877-fold higher for the chewing problem “Poor,” and 1.862-fold higher for smoking. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the need for smoking cessation should be widely publicized in order to promote public oral health.

Relationship between Oral Health Care Behaviors and Perceived Periodontal Disease on Hypertension Patients / 치위생과학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the oral health behaviors and lifestyle of hypertension patients on their perceived periodontal diseases. The data of the 2013 community health survey were used, and the data of 55,632 patients who suffered from hypertension and who were at the ages of 19 and over was analyzed. The analying methods used in this study were chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Gender, age, marital status, education, economic activity, income level and subscription to private medical insurance were identified as the factors to affect the perceived periodontal disease of the hypertension patients, and lifestyle and oral health behaviors were found to have exerted a significant influence on perceived periodontal disease. As this study found that not only the socioeconomic characteristics of the hypertension patients but their oral health care and lifestyle were all correlated with perceived periodontal disease, how to promote the oral health of those who are susceptible to periodontal diseases should carefully be considered.

Effects of Stress Perception Level on Dietary Habits and Oral Health Behaviors in Adolescents / 치위생과학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship that adolescent stress perception level has with dietary habits and oral health behaviors in high school students. A survey of high school students in some areas of the Jeollabuk-do province of South Korea was conducted. Five hundred fourteen survey responses were used in the final analysis. As a result of the questionnaire survey, the following conclusions were obtained. The highest stress type was indicated to be academic stress (mean±standard deviation [SD], 3.09±0.89). The next was shown to be home (family) stress (mean±SD, 2.85±0.84). The possibility of using a dental clinic was indicated to be less in girls than boys (p<0.001). Regarding subjective oral health behavior, the possibility of visiting a dental clinic was low in those who thought that their own oral health condition was not good or moderate (p<0.05). Also, it was shown that the higher stress led to the higher possibility of visiting a dental clinic (p<0.01). Students with higher grades had a in the upper ranks were indicated to have high possibility of having a regular meal (p<0.01). Higher stress led to the significantly higher possibility of eating cariogenic food (p<0.01). Students with median grades had a high possibility of eating cariogenic food (p<0.01), while students with higher grades had a low possibility of eating cariogenic food (p<0.05). These resultss show that stress perception level influences dietary habits and oral health behaviors. Thus, there is a need to develop a program in high scholls to promote the physical and mental health of students to relieve stress. Substantial and systematic oral health education is thought to be likely needed to develop desirable dietary habits.

Assessment of relationship between oral health behavior, oral hygiene and gingival status of dental students.

Background: The behavior of oral health providers toward their own oral health reflects their understanding of the importance of preventive dental procedures and of improving the oral health of their target population. Aim: This study was done with an aim to assess the relationship between oral health behavior, oral hygiene and gingival status of third and final year dental students from a Dental College in Indore City, India. Methods: A total of 137 dental students participated in the study. The students were invited to complete the Hiroshima University‑Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU‑DBI) questionnaire. The HU‑DBI questionnaire consisted of twenty polar responses (agree/disagree) regarding oral health‑related behavior. In addition, two further questions about the frequency of brushing and flossing were included. Subsequently, oral health examination was conducted to assess plaque and gingival status. Data were analyzed using Chi‑square test, Independent sample t‑test, and Pearson’s correlation. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Result: The results showed that about 66.6% of the students checked their teeth in the mirror after brushing. Only 20.1% of the students reported bleeding from gums. The mean oral heath behavior score (HU‑DBI) was 6.47 ± 2.0. A negative correlation of HU‑DBI scores with plaque (r = −0.501) and gingival scores (r = −0.580) was observed. Conclusion: Thus, it is concluded that there is a significant relationship between the oral health behavior, oral hygiene, and gingival status of dental students. Dental students with better self‑reported oral health behavior had lower plaque and gingival scores indicating a better attitude toward oral health.

Oral Environment of Pregnant Women and Factors Associated with the Presence of Streptococcus Mutans / General Medicine

<b>Background:</b> Female hormones may influence the oral environments of pregnant women. Appropriate oral care by pregnant women promotes oral health, contributing to caries prevention in children from the perspective of cariogenic bacteria transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral environment of pregnant women and clarify factors associated with the presence of Streptococcus mutans.<br><b>Methods:</b> A saliva test (volume, pH, Streptococcus mutans count, Lactobacillus count, and total oral Streptococcus count) and questionnaire survey regarding subject characteristics, oral symptoms, and oral health behavior were conducted with 264 pregnant women. We examined the association between the saliva volume/pH and caries-associated bacteria, and compared oral environments related to differences in the subject characteristics, oral symptoms, and oral health behavior. Binomial logistic regression analysis was also conducted to clarify factors associated with the presence of Streptococcus mutans.<br><b>Results:</b> Oral cleanliness was maintained in the subjects who participated in this study. However, in 22.0% of these women, the Streptococcus mutans accounted for 1% or more of the total oral Streptococcus count. Eight items that reduced the proportion of Streptococcus mutans in the total Streptococcus count were confirmed and included the following: “tooth-brushing time of 5 minutes or more” ; “absence of tooth pain” ; “absence of stimulation related to sweets” ; “saliva pH of 6.8 or higher” ; “having a dental checkup for pregnant women” ; “consciously brushing teeth” ; “confidence in brushing” ; and, “employment (housework and full-time work) ”.<br><b>Conclusion:</b> The results of this study contribute to health education during pregnancy, in which health behavior may change as childbirth approaches, and may be useful for guiding appropriate oral health behavior.

The relationship between regional socioeconomic position and oral health behavior: A multilevel approach analysis / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify discrepancies in oral health behaviors among communities in cities, counties, and districts (si , gun, and gu administrative divisions of South Korea) and to determine their correlations with socioeconomic status, examined in terms of the social deprivation index. METHODS: Data for 220,258 individuals, covering 247 communities, were extracted from a 2008 community health survey, and the frequency of brushing the teeth after lunch, flossing and interdental brushing was calculated and analyzed. Considering the characteristics of the data collected at individual and regional levels, a multilevel random-intercept logistic regression model was used for the analysis. RESULTS: A regional-level discrepancy was found in after-lunch brushing and the use of auxiliary oral hygiene items, with interclass correlations of 0.03 and 0.04, respectively. In particular, the odds ratio of using auxiliary oral hygiene items in the communities with the lowest socioeconomic status was as low as 0.49, compared to the highest level, thus demonstrating a conspicuous intercommunity difference. CONCLUSIONS: The regional-level correlation between socioeconomic status and oral health behaviors indicates the need for the establishment of oral health-related intervention policies based on community characteristics.

Oral health knowledge and behavior among nursing home employees in Seoul, Korea / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the level of knowledge on oral health and oral health behavior among nursing home employees. METHODS: A self-reported survey was conducted for 480 workers in nursing care and residential care facilities for the elderly in Seoul, Korea. RESULTS: The results showed that nursing home employees had more knowledge about denture management than about periodontal diseases. The perception of their own oral health and their level of concern about oral health were different among employees depending on their marital status, job tenure, and income. The average frequency of tooth brushing was 3.05 times per day. Employees with higher income visited the dentist more often. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health education should be improved so that nursing home employees have the desirable level of knowledge about oral health and exhibit appropriate oral health behavior.

Investigation and analysis on the oral health knowledge and behavior of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Chongqing / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:To investigate and analyze the oral health knowledge and behavior of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Chongqing.Methods:Based on"The Guidline for the Third National Oral Health Survey",a stratified equal-sized randomly sampling design was applied to obtain 359 objects aged at 12 years old who were responded to questionnaire on oral health knowledge and behavior.Results:Above 70% children had positive attitudes towards some oral health knowledges,while only less than 50% children could grasp knowledge about gingival bleeding.Most children could not take correct measure about gingival bleeding and toothache,and only brushed teeth once a day.Some children did not insist in brushing teeth everyday.The children living in the urban show higher percentages of positive attitudes to some basic oral health knowledge and toothbrushing than those living in the rural(P