Oral hygiene behaviours and their associated factors in Chinese adolescents: Evidence from the National Oral Health Survey

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To investigate oral hygiene behaviours and their correlates among Chinese adolescents. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 118,601 subjects aged 12-15 years from the National Oral Health Survey using multistage cluster sampling. Questionnaire data were used for descriptive and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 32.6% of subjects brushed their teeth twice daily, 7.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, 3.9% cleaned their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, and 9.7% used dental floss. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the probability of good oral hygiene practices (twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste) was higher among these groups: females (AOR: 1.141; 95%CI: 1.072-1.214), 15-year-olds (AOR: 1.786; 95%CI: 1.634-1.952), from urban areas (AOR: 1.389; 95%CI: 1.288-1.497), without siblings (AOR: 1.351; 95%CI: 1.259-1.450), with an educated father (AOR: 1. 605; 95%CI: 1.442-1.788) and mother (AOR: 1.706; 95%CI: 1.530-1.903), having dental visit experiences (AOR: 1.702; 95%CI: 1.589-1.823), rating one’s oral health as good (AOR: 2.341; 95%CI: 2.083-2.631), having fluoride knowledge (AOR: 4.345; 95%CI: 4.034-4.678) and having a positive attitude towards regular dental care (AOR: 1.589; 95%CI: 1.460-1.729). Conclusion The oral hygiene behaviours of Chinese adolescents were undesirable. Good oral hygiene practices are significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, and attitudes towards regular dental care. Clinical Relevance Professionals, parents and adolescents should pay attention to adolescents' oral hygiene behaviours. It should be emphasized that twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is essential when designing the content of oral health education and when counselling adolescents.