Patients knowledge about caries prevention and oral hygiene - a comparative study

Background: The caries aetiology is individual and multifactorial, and even though common causes are known to professionals, patients still suffer from the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate if the patient care education of today is optimal. The research question stated is if knowledge about caries prevention and self-care in the population is equal irrespective of age. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and distributed to participants in two age groups, equally divided in two Swedish cities. The groups were constituted by adolescents aged 16-21 and senior citizens over 60 years of age. Results: The findings indicate a higher tooth brushing frequency and use of interproximal hygiene aid among the elder population. The older age group claimed to have received information and instructions to a higher extent than the younger group. All participants showed poor knowledge regarding utilisation, dosage and beneficial properties of fluoride. The majority were willing to receive more information about oral hygiene and how to maintain good oral health, but an equal number was not interested in paying for more information. Conclusions: In conclusion, most of the responders are performing basic oral hygiene. However, there are still some knowledge gaps remaining, whereas knowledge about caries prevention and self-care in the population is unequal in respect of age; the older population proved to be more well-informed