[Need for dental prophylaxis in grown women: an investigation in maternal rest centers. 1. Information knowledge and or oral hygiene status].

111 women out of 316 women relaxing in three rest homes volunteered to participate in this study and answered a questionnaire concerning following subjects: daily oral hygiene, knowledge in hygiene procedures, frequency of dental treatment and interest in dental prophylaxis. Oral hygiene behaviour and knowledge were not sufficient. Only half of them knew dental floss and fluorides. Interdental care was practised by 20 women and only 10 used fluorides, they had without exception a secondary education. Most of the participants were educated in dental health care mainly by their parents. 36 women went to see the dentist only in case of necessity. 15 women were very afraid of dental treatment. 60% out of 111 women participated in a lecture on preventive dentistry and prophylaxis.