[Study on oral health status and health behavior of workers at government office]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral health status and health behavior of the adult population in the workplace. In 1998, oral health examination of 388 workers (male: 287, female: 101) at a government office was performed. A questionnaire was administered to obtain data regarding oral symptoms and health behavior. The results were as follows: Overall, 48% needed treatment for dental caries, 44% needed calculus removal, and 23% needed treatment for periodontal disease. Although there were no oral health complaints, 20% had early caries, 40% had dental calculus, and 19% had periodontitis. Compared to males, more females brushed their teeth, had home dentists (44%) and received more regular dental health check-ups at least once a year (48%). For males, those with home dentists had higher FT and DMFT in the twenties and thirties. There was no relationship between oral health status and regular check-ups in both males and females. The results revealed that receiving regular dental check-ups from home dentists was not popular in Japan. Further, the role of home dentists is not preventive oriented. It was concluded that it is necessary to provide regular oral health examination and health promotion programs for adult population at the workplace in Japan.