Author/Authors :
Villa, Alessandro National Institute of Health - National Cancer Institute - Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, USA , Villa, Alessandro University of Milano - Dental Clinic - Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Italy , Kreimer, Aimee R. National Institute of Health - National Cancer Institute - Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, USA , Polimeni, Antonella University of Rome La Sapienza - Dental Clinic - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, Italy , Cicciù, Domenico Policlinico Universitario - Department of Dentistry, Italy , Cicciù, Domenico University of Messina - Department of Dentistry, Italy , Strohmenger, Laura University of Milano - Dental Clinic - Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Italy , Gherlone, Enrico Vita Salute University - San Raffaele Hospital - Department of Dentistry, Italy , Abati, Silvio University of Milano - Dental Clinic - Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Italy
Abstract :
Objective: The objective of this survey was to assess oral hygiene habits and compliance with guidelines for good oral health set forth by the Italian Ministry of Health (IMH). Subjects and Methods: A sample of 2,200 self-administered questionnaires was sent to four dental clinics across Italy to assess sociodemographic information, oral hygiene habits, frequency of dental visits and services received at previous visits among a population of adult patients. Results: Of the 2,200 questionnaires, 1,201 (54.6%) were returned. Findings showed that full compliance with the IMH recommendations was low (12%): a small number of patients (n = 223, 18.6%) visited a dentist every 6 months and only 256 (23.5%) brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Conclusion: Our data showed that regular attendance (at least 1 visit/year) at dental clinics for routine check-up and brushing teeth at least twice a day were poor. Therefore, we recommend that clinicians educate and motivate their patients about the benefits of healthy oral hygiene practices.
