ORAL HEALTH BEHAVIOUR AND AWARENESS OF YOUNG POPULATION IN TURKEY

Abstract

Introduction:Transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important episode in life since it determines a person’s long-time health behavior and their tendency to carry chronic diseases. The present study aims to assess oral health behavior and awareness of the young population in Turkey.Methodology:A sample of 2,740 students (1309 male, 1431 female) from 5 different universities studying 10 different degree subjects completed a questionnaire related to their oral health behavior. Age, gender and degree subjects were also recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0.Results:66.6% of the students brushed their teeth twice or more times daily. The brushing frequency of students studying different degree subjects is significantly different(p<0.01). Dental students have the highest brushing frequency whereas sports students have the lowest. 38% of the participants indicated that they use mouthwash; however, only 21.2% used it daily. 21.2% of the participants visit a dentist once or twice per year. 50.9% of the participants experience bleeding while brushing. Only 28.8% had regular scaling and polishing. 22.6% of the participants smoke, while 18.8% stated that they have halitosis.Conclusion:The present study indicated that oral health behavior of young population needs to be further improved. Therefore, oral health education programs should be initiated to emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.Keywords:Oral hygiene; health attitude; health education; health risk behaviors; toothbrushing.