[Oral hygiene behaviour of a group of healthy students]

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to get a picture of the daily oral hygiene behaviour of a group of healthy Dutch students in the age range of 18 to 30 years and its relation to oral health. On the basis of a questionnaire, the students were interviewed concerning their oral hygiene behaviour. The level of gingivitis and the level of tongue coating were analysed in relation to the results of the questionnaire. The study revealed that the majority brushed their teeth twice a day. The different methods of tooth brushing and the use of a manual or electric toothbrush had no significant effect on the clinical parameters in this study population. A small group used an interdental cleaning method daily. The toothpick was the aid most often used and its use resulted in a significant reduction of the tendency to interdental bleeding. The use of a tongue cleaner had no statistically significant effect on the level of tongue coating.