Oral health practices among adolescents. A study from family practice clinics in Israel

Dental caries and periodontal disease are highly prevalent among adolescents. Preventive dental visits and proper oral health practices effectively reduce the occurrence of these entities. The objective of this study was to determine the rates of tooth brushing, flossing, and visits to dentists and hygienists among Israeli adolescents in a family practice setting. One hundred and eighty-four 7th and 10th graders who attended preventive health visits completed questionnaires that included questions regarding dental visits and personal oral health habits. Structured counseling by the family nurse was provided following completion of the questionnaire. Ninety-seven percent of the teenagers brushed their teeth at least once a day, but only 7% used dental floss daily, 44.5% never flossed, and another 10% didn't know what dental floss was. Eighty-three percent had visited a dentist, but only 33% had been to a dental hygienist in the past two years. Twenty-nine percent did not know what a hygienist was. We conclude that primary care providers can promote oral health by screening and providing counseling to their adolescent patients.

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