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Oral health of adolescents in the Colac‐Otway Shire
Author(s) -
Mayze Lara,
Pawlak Jacqui,
Rogers Margaret,
Smith Michael
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12485
Subject(s) - dental decay , socioeconomic status , shire , oral health , medicine , dental health , family medicine , dentistry , environmental health , population , linguistics , philosophy
Objective Altruistically, the developmental stage of adolescence poses a unique time frame to instil positive oral health behaviours. Caries are commonly associated with lower socioeconomic populations and regional or rural regions and are often prevalent in adolescents. This research project assessed the patterns of oral health and oral health behaviours of adolescents and investigated any potentially changeable behaviours or ways in which health services might support improvement in their oral health. Design, setting and participants Adolescents aged 11–17 years were recruited from four secondary schools in the Colac‐Otway Shire ( n = 143). Students were screened for dental decay and the condition of tooth surfaces was recorded. Completion of a dental anxiety screening survey and a World Health Organization oral health behaviours survey was undertaken. Main outcome measure Early carious lesions and advanced decay. Results Early carious lesions were found in 86 (60%) of students and more advanced decay in 39 (28%). Dental decay was associated with consuming sweets and soft drinks, irregular dental check‐ups and students whose mother's highest education level was primary school. Consuming fruit was protective against decay. Conclusion This study identified that adolescents were experiencing high percentage of decay and not regularly visiting the dentist for dental screening. Programs that take the oral health therapists to regional and rural areas and lower socioeconomic areas might be warranted to target secondary schools.