Teenager's Oral Health and Oral Self-Care in Curacao

Teenagers’ Oral Health and Oral Self-Care in Curacao

This study was aimed to examine teenager's awareness of their personal oral health and of their oral self-care in Curacao, and to compare the oral hygiene habits in relation to age and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 461 teenage boys and girls (12-18 years old) on the island of Curacao (Dutch West Indies). The data were collected from anonymous questionnaires in secondary schools during the 2013- 2014 school year. Items about socio-demographics and oral health behavior (e.g., visits and experiences with oral health professionals, sugar-intake, opinions, and preferences) were included and these variables were analyzed.