METHODS: Chi-square analysis was conducted to examine the differences in self-reported dental caries and bleeding gums by oral hygiene behaviors, daily habits, and past oral experiences. Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare OHRQoL and attitude items with self-reported oral health issues and demographics.
RESULTS: A greater percentage of students (54.5%) who brushed for ≤1 minute experienced gum bleeding compared to 45.5% who did not report gum bleeding (p = 0.005). Median values for difficulty biting or chewing foods, took days off school, difficulty doing usual activities, and pain were significantly higher among those with self-reported dental caries and bleeding gums. Difficulty with speech significantly varied with the presence of bleeding gums and teeth insecurities (p = 0.027 and p = 0.011, respectively). Avoiding smiling experienced pain was significantly different among with teeth insecurities (p = 0.001, p = 0.031). Of the various attitude statements, \"I value keeping my mouth healthy\" significantly varied with dental caries and bleeding gums (p = 0.002; p = 0.005). Attitude toward acceptance of age-related tooth loss was significantly different with age (p = 0.022).
CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence of self-reported oral health problems affecting OHRQoL and attitudes toward oral health. Improving oral hygiene behaviors with resources available for regular dental visits to minimize dental issues and improve OHRQoL among minority students is warranted.
方法:进行卡方分析,以检查口腔卫生行为在自我报告的龋齿和牙龈出血方面的差异,日常习惯,和过去的口头经历。进行了Mann-WhitneyU测试,以比较OHRQoL和态度项目与自我报告的口腔健康问题和人口统计。
结果:刷牙时间≤1分钟的学生(54.5%)出现牙龈出血,而未报告牙龈出血的学生比例为45.5%(p=0.005)。咬或咀嚼食物困难的中值,放假几天,做日常活动困难,自我报告的龋齿和牙龈出血患者的疼痛明显更高。言语困难随牙龈出血和牙齿不安全感的存在而显着变化(分别为p=0.027和p=0.011)。避免微笑经历疼痛与牙齿不安全感之间存在显着差异(p=0.001,p=0.031)。在各种态度声明中,“我重视保持口腔健康”随龋齿和牙龈出血而显着变化(p=0.002;p=0.005)。对接受年龄相关牙齿脱落的态度随年龄而显着不同(p=0.022)。
结论:结果提供了自我报告的口腔健康问题影响OHRQoL和对口腔健康态度的证据。有必要利用可用于定期牙科就诊的资源改善口腔卫生行为,以最大程度地减少牙科问题并改善少数民族学生的OHRQoL。