Resumo

CHOUN, Thiago Tao An et al. Evaluation of the knowledge and behavior of the patients in dental treatment in relation to caries, periodontal disease and oral hygiene. RPG, Rev. pós-grad. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.3, pp. 140-147. ISSN 0104-5695.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior as to caries, periodontal disease and oral hygiene of patients in treatment in the clinics of Endodontic and Dentistry of the State University of São Paulo - São José dos Campos Dental School - São Paulo State University (UNESP), through a specific questionnaire. After the evaluation of the answers given, the participants in the survey were oriented. A group of 430 adults with between 18 and 80 years old were evaluated. The data obtained was submitted to statistical analysis. The results showed that 72% of the group consisted of women and the age ranged between 41 to 50 years old. It could be also seen that patients with a higher educational level had more previous information about caries and periodontal diseases. Dental brush and toothpaste were the resources mostly used for oral hygiene for 56.05% of the patients interviewed. Pain was the motivating factor for seeing a dentist (53.03%), while 46.97% of the patients were motivated by a preventive care (routine evaluation). The dental floss was used by only 43.95% of the patients and the 46.05% that didn't use it said that it was due to gum bleeding. The patients evaluated presented an uneven knowledge on caries, periodontal disease and oral hygiene. The educational level had a direct influence on knowledge and behavior of the group evaluated as to the main oral diseases. There is a need for a continued orientation on preventive care of caries and periodontal disease, with emphasis on diet and dental floss used in educational programs.

Palavras-chave : Dental caries; Oral health; Health education, dental.