BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of diet and behavioural risk factors on caries appearance, and on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Portuguese adolescents.Material and MethodsAn epidemiological study conducted on 782 adolescents between 11-17 years, from randomly selected public schools of the 3rd cycle of basic education. All participants were asked for self-perceived general status health, about tooth-brushing habits and about the using of toothpaste with fluoride and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth) was evaluated according to WHO criteria. To evaluate the OHRQoL, the 49-items Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-49) was applied.ResultsConsumption more than once a week of tea with sugar, milk with sugar and biscuits were significantly associated with DMFT index. Lower levels in OHRQoL was reported by students who consumed frequently (more than once a week) fast food, chocolate flakes and those who brushed their teeth once a day or less frequently instead of 2-3 times a day.ConclusionsFrequency of consumption of sweetened/fast food was a significant factor associated with caries and quality of life.
Key words:Oral health-related quality of life, adolescent, diet, DMFT, epidemiology.
Promoção da saúde mental das crianças: contributos dos enfermeiros Promotion of children's mental health: nurses' contributions Promoción de la salud mental de los niños: contribución de los enfermeros
Introduction: Implementation and development of promotional and educational oral health programs, it is critical to identify and intervene on the risk factors for oral health in adolescents. Research Question: Does the oral health status of adolescents in particular DMFT index, plaque index, oral health risk and oral hygiene habits, suffer modification after participation in an educational program ProSorriso? Purpose of the Study: Implement a program of oral health education, to evaluate its effectiveness in improving the oral health of adolescents. Methods: Experimental analytical study-before and after the intervention program on the risk factors for oral health. A sample of 200 adolescents attending schools of Portugal, aged 11-16 years (x=13.21±1.014). Material: Risk Quantifiers in Oral Health assessed before and after participation in "ProSorriso" program. This aims at the promotion and education for oral health: oral health, diet and oral hygiene. Results: In the evaluation after the program ProSorriso: adolescents decreased the percentage of decayed teeth 50,5% to 38,5%;improved eating habits (Z=-1,325,p=0,185); had higher percentage of teeth without plaque (Z=-5,465,p=0,000). There were more adolescents to brush their teeth twice a day (Z=-2,562,p=0,010). The assessment of risk classification showed that before the educational program ProSorriso had a higher percentage of adolescents who were at high risk of developing oral problems (p=0,001). Conclusion: The intervention "ProSorriso" shown to produce effect in changing behaviors that promote healthier life styles and to be determinant of oral health status.
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