Resource type:
Peer review
Link:
This Polish national study assessed the gap between self-reported knowledge and actual behaviors regarding diet and oral hygiene among 1,611 18-year-olds. While 63.1% admitted limited oral health knowledge, many engaged in cariogenic behaviors like frequent snacking and sweetened beverage intake. Dental teams were the main information source but often failed to provide adequate dietary guidance. More frequent dental visits, better parental education, and being informed significantly increased healthy behaviors such as brushing twice daily and using fluoridated toothpaste. The study highlights the critical role of dental professionals in health promotion and the need for systemic interventions in oral health education.
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