Abstract
Aim: Turkish oral care behaviors show less than one toothbrush and less than 110g toothpaste used per person per year (Dental Association 2014). Consumer reports show that 69% brush their teeth, 16% use floss and 9% use mouthrinse during selfcare. This study planned to test if sociodemographic factors were linked to oral health knowledge, hygiene practises and purchasing supplementary oral hygiene products.
Methods: A questionnaire on sociodemography, oral health perception, use of dental products for oral care, and dental knowledge was used through face-to-face interviews in three supermarkets in the Istanbul/Fatih Region with permission from the Faculty of Dentistry after the study was approved as a dissertation thesis. Sample size calculation estimated (n=t2pq/d2) that 384 responses were needed. Data were analysed by SPSS 18, using chi-square, Mann- Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis tests.
Results: 395 people 18-65 years of age completed the questionnaire. All participants knew about and 235 used at least one supplementary item (59%). The four most often reported were dental floss, tonque cleaner on a toothbrush, toothpick and mouth rinse without gender differences. Education affected knowledge. Participant’s knowledge on using supplementary products was associated with education and self rated oral health (p<0.05), while knowledge on the importance of using other dental products for removing plaque was related to gender, age, education, monthly income and self rated oral health (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the frequency of tooth brushing by gender, age, education, monthly income and self rated oral health. The use of floss was related to gender, age and education. The use of both fluoridated mouthwash and interdental brushing was associated with education. Increased brushing frequency and level of perceived oral health affected usage p<0.05. Brushing frequency was not associated with the reason for use of supplementary products which were; mouth cleanliness, periodontal health, brushing inadequacy when used alone . Advice from a dentist was the main factor to drive purchases in both genders and in all age groups. Education didn’t affect purchasing motive.
Conclusions: Efforts are needed to improve low oral health literacy and to promote self care behaviour in Turkey. Dentists may play an important role in enabling their patients to increase control over their oral health and promoting use of supplementery oral hygiene products additional to toothbrush and paste.
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