RESUMEN
The objective of this survey was to assess oral hygiene habits and compliance with guidelines for good oral health set forth by the Italian Ministry of Health [IMH]. A sample of 2,200 self-administered questionnaires was sent to four dental clinics across Italy to assess sociodemographic information, oral hygiene habits, frequency of dental visits and services received at previous visits among a population of adult patients. Of the 2,200 questionnaires, 1,201 [54.6%] were returned. Findings showed that full compliance with the IMH recommendations was low [12%]: a small number of patients [n = 223, 18.6%] visited a dentist every 6 months and only 256 [23.5%] brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Conclusion: Our data showed that regular attendance [at least 1 visit/year] at dental clinics for routine check-up and brushing teeth at least twice a day were poor. Therefore, we recommend that clinicians educate and motivate their patients about the benefits of healthy Oral hygiene practices