engleski

The role of oral hygiene education and motivation of adolescents

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of motivation and education in oral hygiene of adolescents by mesuring plaque index. Methods: The study population consisted of 62 schoolchildren at the age of 14-15, first graders from First secondary high school in Zagreb. The plaque index was measured before and after a motivational and educational lecture and a demonstration of the right toothbrush technic on a model. Non-parametrical statistical methods were used and independent and perexample Student's t-test (p<0, 05). Results: The mean plaque index of all examined subjects at the beginnig of the study was 3, 52 (s.d.=1, 12) and after the education it decreased to 2, 63 (s.d.=1, 06). At the begining of the study the plaque index was higher in male subjects then female in all segment parts except the lower right buccal one (p<0, 001). After the education the difference between male and female subjects was found only in the upper and lower frontal labial segment (p<0, 001). The right buccal part of the upper and lower jaw had the highest plaque index 4, 27 (m.r.=1, 24) in the beginning and after the education it had the highest improvement 3, 11 (m.r.=1, 33). The left buccal part of the upper and lower jaw had the highest plaque index 3, 16 (m.r.=1, 20) after the educationol program. Conclusion: After the conducted motivation and education a decrese of plaque index confirms their importance in the improvement of oral hygiene in adolescents. High amounts of plaque index at the begining indicate the lack of prevention programs in the Republic of Croatia.

plaque index; oral hygiene;; adolescents

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