Oral hygiene practices, dental service use and oral health self-perception of schoolchildren from a rural zone in the Brazilian Northeast region
PURPOSE: To evaluate the oral hygiene practices, use of dental services and self-perception of oral health of school children from the rural areas of the city of Caruaru, PE, in the Northeast region of Brazil. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out using interviews with structured questionnaires aimed at students aged between 6 and 12 years (n=150). Demographic and socio-economic data on oral hygiene practices, the use of dental services and self-perception of oral health were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher's exact tests). RESULTS: Most of the students cleaned their teeth (82.0%) with toothpaste (98.0%), a toothbrush available at the market (93.2%) and dental floss (26.4%). All students (150) had a toothbrush, the majority (86.7%) for individual use, and performed three or more daily brushings (56.4%). A significant portion had visited the dentist (72.7%) due to the need for treatment (57.8%) and toothache (33.0%). Among those who had never been to the dentist, fear (36.6%) was the main reason. The majority (56.0%) considered their teeth to be in good condition. CONCLUSION: Despite the low socio-economic status of the evaluated population, changes in oral hygiene practices and the demand for dental care were observed.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
2010
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| Online Access: | http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-65232010000100006 |
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