Relationsship between oral health and lifestyle in schools in disadvantaged region of North-Eastern Hungary

Abstract

Introduction:the health of the oral cavity is an important part of our body's health and plays a significant role in social well-being.

Material and method:our research involved primary school pupils living in three disadvantaged municipalities of Borsod-Abaúj Zemplén county and students from a disadvantaged municipality scattered throughout the county, but studying in a secondary school in a large city, and included a survey of caries prevalence (DMFT score), dental visits, brushing habits, lifestyle, psychosomatic status and self-assessment of the young people.

Sample characteristics: 429 (318+111) subjects participated in the study, mean age 11.5±3.2, boy/girl ratio 45.5/ 54.5.

Results:a high percentage of students live in large families, in crowded, uncomfortable housing, one third of households have no piped water. The vast majority of students do not visit the dentist's office even if there is a dentist in their municipality or only when they have a toothache. Nearly half of young people brush their teeth every evening and morning, and only one third of students receive more than one toothbrush a year. Many do not have a toothbrush and some use the same toothbrush more than once. More than two thirds of students consume something (sugary drinks, food) after brushing their teeth in the evening. Acute gingivitis is also common, as is chronic gingivitis. DMFT is also high compared to the national average. There is a significant correlation between high DMFT and evening eating (p<0.019).

Alcohol consumption and smoking are common among them, while regular physical activity is low.

Conclusion:the oral health and health behaviours of young people with multiple disadvantages show a serious underachievement, with family backgrounds, low income, lack of dental education and inaccessibility to healthcare playing a role.