Educational intervention for oral health

Introduction: Implementation and development of promotional and educational oral health programs, it is critical to identify and intervene on the risk factors for oral health in adolescents. Research Question: Does the oral health status of adolescents in particular DMFT index, plaque index, oral health risk and oral hygiene habits, suffer modification after participation in an educational program ProSorriso? Purpose of the Study: Implement a program of oral health education, to evaluate its effectiveness in improving the oral health of adolescents. Methods: Experimental analytical study-before and after the intervention program on the risk factors for oral health. A sample of 200 adolescents attending schools of Portugal, aged 11-16 years (x=13.21 +/- 1.014). Material: Risk Quantifiers in Oral Health assessed before and after participation in "ProSorriso" program. This aims at the promotion and education for oral health: oral health, diet and oral hygiene. Results: In the evaluation after the program ProSorriso: adolescents decreased the percentage of decayed teeth 50,5% to 38,5%; improved eating habits (Z=-1,325, p=0,185); had higher percentage of teeth without plaque (Z=-5,465, p=0,000). There were more adolescents to brush their teeth twice a day (Z=-2,562, p=0,010). The assessment of risk classification showed that before the educational program ProSorriso had a higher percentage of adolescents who were at high risk of developing oral problems (p=0,001). Conclusion: The intervention "ProSorriso" shown to produce effect in changing behaviors that promote healthier life styles and to be determinant of oral health status. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.