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Conceptions of Finnish people about the etiology and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disorders
Author(s) -
Markkula Jaakko,
Murtomaa Heikki,
Ainamo Jukka
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1977.tb01621.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , dentistry , oral hygiene , etiology , population , environmental health
abstract Conceptions among the general public in Finland regarding the etiology and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disorders were surveyed in two interviews in 1971 and 1972. Both population samples interviewed comprised about 1,000 persons aged 15 years and over. Inadequate oral hygiene was the most common (65%) possible cause chosen by I he subjects among the causes of dental caries. Only 44% of the interviewees considered sugar to be a cause of caries. Thorough cleaning of the teeth (83%) and dentist's check‐ups twice a year (67%) were the factors most frequently chosen in caries prevention. Avoidance of sugar (56%) ranked as the third in frequency. As regards symptoms of periodontal disorders, tender gingiva, gingival bleeding, and loosening of the teeth were correctly suggested as symptoms by 62, 61 and 45%, respectively. Poor oral hygiene (77%) was the cause of gingivitis most commonly chosen by the interviewees, while simultaneous systemic disease (37%) was considered more important than, for example, dental calculus (31%). As regards treatment of periodontal disorders, careful toothcleaning (73%) received most support. However, this factor was closely followed by misconceptions regarding the supposed advantageous value of drugs and rinses (50%), chewing of fibrous foods (45%), and vitamin therapy (38%).