Lietuvos universitetų vidutinio amžiaus darbuotojų dantų valymo įpročių skirtumai susiję su lytimi

Background and objectives. Many previous studies showed clear gender differences in the percentages of adults reporting toothbrushing more than once a day. This study evaluated the factors determining gender differences in toothbrushing among Lithuanian middle-aged university employees. Material and Methods. A questionnaire survey was anonymously conducted among 35- to 44-year-old employees (n=862) of four universities in Lithuania in 2005. The response rate was 64% (n=553). Data covered toothbrushing frequency, habitual dental attendance, dental health attitudes and knowledge, and subject’s background information. Results. Of all respondents, 68% reported brushing their teeth more than once a day (73% of women and 49% of men, P<0.001) and 51% indicated checkup-based habitual dental attendance (54% of women and 41% of men, P=0.012). The majority reported good dental status as being important to them and poor oral health as injurious to general health. Of all respondents, 44% indicated that “Lack of time is the main reason for incomplete oral self-care” (61% of men and 40% of women, P