[Knowledge of sixteen-year-olds of oral hygiene]

Consistent with the declaration of WHO "Health for all by the year 2000" and the FDI programme "Oral Health by the year 2000" the aim of our work was to become familiar with habits and knowledge on oral hygiene in 16-year-old adolescents. In 1988 we examined a total of 180 adolescents selected at random in one Prague secondary school and two centres for apprentices. For the assessment of habits regarding oral hygiene and knowledge on oral hygiene we used own questionnaire comprising 33 questions. The investigation provides evidence that it is essential to motivate patients more effectively to improve oral hygiene and to instruct during dental examinations on the importance of proper dental care. Dental surgeons should use every visit of the patient to explain oral hygiene and check adherence to it.