Related Experiment Videos
The relationship between tooth cleaning behaviour and flexibility of working time schedule
C Abegg1, W Marcenes, R Croucher
1Departamento de Odontologia Preventiva e Social, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. abegg@repensul.ufsc.br
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|July 21, 1999
Summary
Flexible working hours are linked to better tooth cleaning habits and reduced dental plaque. This study found that a more adaptable work schedule positively impacts oral hygiene practices and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Occupational health
Background:
- Tooth cleaning practices are crucial for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental diseases.
- Work schedules can influence health behaviors, including those related to personal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between working time schedule flexibility and tooth cleaning patterns, structure, and performance.
- To determine if flexible work arrangements impact oral hygiene behaviors and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 471 Brazilian workers (aged 24-44) from diverse employment sectors.
- Data collection via structured interviews and clinical examinations, followed by logistic regression analysis.
- Assessment of tooth cleaning frequency, range of oral hygiene aids used, and dental plaque levels.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant relationship was found between flexible working time and tooth cleaning frequency, oral hygiene aid usage, and reduced dental plaque.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors.
- Socio-economic status also showed significant associations with tooth cleaning frequency, aid usage, and plaque levels.
Conclusions:
- High flexibility in working time schedules is positively associated with improved tooth cleaning patterns, structure, and performance.
- Flexible work arrangements may be a contributing factor to better oral hygiene outcomes in the workforce.