Oral Health And Its Influencial Factors Among Freshmen In A Medical University

Objective The study aims to assess the actual oral health status of junior college students according to gender and urbanization, and to highlight the trend over time in dental caries prevalence of college students, to assess the dental care habits and the provision of preventive services.Methods Clinical examinations of oral health status were carried out among junior college students in a medical university in 2004 and 2008, respectively, according to WHO criteria and included dental caries, enamel lesions, oral hygiene status (OHI-S) and community periodontal index (CPI). The oral cavity status was estimated by clinical examination conducted with the use of artificial lighting and basic diagnostic set: dental probe and dental mirror.Results In 2004, the Percentage of population affected with dental caries was 39.7%, whereas 39.0% of subjects need treatment for caries. Mean number of decayed tee was 1.5. Filling of one tooth surface was found in 9.7% of the subjects. Debris, calculus and gingivitis average zones were 2.07±0.08, 2.24±0.75 and 2.72±0.92, with the prevalence proportion rates 85.2%, 81.2% and 78.3%, respectively.In 2008, the prevalence proportion rates of dental caries were 36.8%, whereas24.7% of subjects need treatment for caries. Dental caries experience was 1.45 DMF-T. Filling of one tooth surface was found in 7.9% of the subjects. Debris, calculus and gingivitis average zones were 2.81±0.10, 2.25±0.78 and 1.07±0.52, with the prevalence proportion rates 77.6%, 76.2% and 35.3%, respectively. There was significantly difference in prevalence rate of caries and gingivitis in different gender(P <0.01, respectively). Different native place showed significant difference in the proportion rate of caries(P<0.01), with rural, town and urban areas and unty were 44.1%, 41.7% and 37.2%, respectively. Significant difference in the proportion rate of caries were found in different parents'education level(P<0.01). Students with higher educational level parents had high caries prevalence rate.Logistic regression analysis showed that female, always eating snacks and eating before sleep were risk factors of oral health. The knowledge and attitude about oral hygiene in female students were better than those in male students. Interestingly, students with caries reported more correct oral health behaviors than those didn't. On the other hand, oral health behaviors also make a great deal in the development of caries. Tests of prophylactic therapy of dental caries and periodontal diseases and health knowledge and behaviors have poor results.Conclusion The poor oral hygiene of these junior college students emphasizes the urgent need and the important role a regular professionally applied oral hygiene measure can play in maintaining their oral health. This involves the use of dental hygienists. Although this may be intensive and costly, it will give a better result and thus prevent the development of periodontal diseases, as periodontal disease has been known to represent as much and usually more of a problem for college students.