Hábitos de higiene bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos por adolescentes e adultos do Município de Canoas, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

The study aimed an investigation of oral hygiene methods and use of dental services by adolescents and adults in the Municipality of Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. This population-based, cross-sectional study found an average of tooth brushing three times a day. More than a half of the sample revealed no use of dental floss. “After lunch” was the moment of the day most chosen for teeth cleaning. Oral hygiene was more frequently performed by women, young adults, and people with higher number of school years. The almost totality of the sample had visited the dentist at least once in their life. The most frequent reason was oral health follow-up. The great majority of the people self-reported use of private dental services. Frequency of tooth brush was high, however use of dental floss was restricted. Public service contributed to a very low percentage of dental service’s provision, a situation that implies deeper analysis about the barriers to access to dental assistance.