Oral health behaviors and tooth decay at the age of 12 and 15-18 years in Poland.

Background: Oral health behaviors are the primary determinants of dental health. They undergo modification and stabilization during adolescence, and can persist into adulthood.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health behaviors of individuals aged 12 and 15-18 years, and to examine the impact of these behaviors on the occurrence and severity of dental caries in different age groups.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional oral health national survey was conducted between 2016 and 2020, encompassing a total of 5,099 participants, including 2,496 individuals aged 12 and 2,603 participants aged 15-18 years. The presence of non-cavitated decay (D1-2), cavitation (D≥3), and missing (M) or filled (F) status at the tooth (T) or surface (S) levels was evaluated. The prevalence of caries (D≥3MFT > 0), as well as the mean values of the D1-2, D≥3MFT and D≥3MFS indexes were assessed. The questionnaire contained information on sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviors and the participants' diet.

Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 75% among 12-year-old and 90% among 15-18-year-old individuals. Indicators associated with a reduced likelihood and lower severity of dental caries in both groups included prophylactic dental visits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (12-year-olds): 0.83; AOR (15-18-yearolds): 0.64) and brushing teeth at least twice a day (AOR (12-year-olds): 0.72; AOR (15-18-year-olds): 0.59). Frequent consumption of sweet products and chips by 12-year-olds increased the likelihood of developing and exacerbating tooth decay. In the older group, the risk of developing caries was associated with the consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages.

Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene and inadequate diet are conducive to the development of caries, with the condition being exacerbated by these factors regardless of age. However, the influence of diet appears to be more pronounced in less mature dentition. The benefits of dental visits, oral hygiene practices and a preference for mineral water in quenching thirst have also been demonstrated. The health behaviors exhibited by older and younger adolescents are comparable, suggesting that these habits may persist into adulthood.