Poor habits in college could impede oral health routines
Risk-taking behaviors could have an impact on the oral health of college-age students.
In a study published in PLOS One, researchers asked 205 students aged 18 to 24 years to complete a longitudinal, quantitative survey online regarding risk-taking behaviors such as consuming alcohol, smoking or changing their dietary habits as well as their oral hygiene habits. The surveys were completed at baseline and after a follow-up of six months.
The researchers found correlations between the risk-taking behaviors and bleeding gums, reduced brushing frequency and poor oral hygiene routines. Further, oral health behaviors — including dental condition, gum condition and dental visits — worsened over the survey period. The researchers noted that a majority of the respondents indicated that they were planning on visiting their previous dentist rather than finding a new dentist on campus.
The results of the survey could help inform future oral health interventions targeting risk-taking behaviors and poor adherence to oral health regimens in this patient population.
Read more: PLOS One
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