Comparison of oral health condition in Polish adolescents within 7 years

There is some increase in the risk of oral diseases in adolescence, as in this period of life, individuals become more independent regarding the consumption of sugary food and beverages, and they can be reluctant to apply oral hygiene procedures systematically. Therefore, adolescence is a period of life that needs special attention.

The objective of this study was to compare some oral health parameters and oral health-related behaviors of 15-year-olds within the past 7 years.

In 2008 and 2015, nationwide surveys on oral health condition involving 15-year-olds were carried out in Poland. Sampling and clinical examinations were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, which were extended with a questionnaire concerning pro-health behaviors.

Caries prevalence and severity turned out to be a constant, as neither a significant reduction in the proportion of caries-affected adolescents (94.0% vs 94.0%) nor in the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) (5.96 vs 5.65), DT, FT, and significant caries (SiC) index values was found, except for a decline in MT (0.17 vs 0.07; p < 0.05). The periodontal condition revealed deterioration, since some increase in the percentage of adolescents with gingival bleeding (34.2% vs 37.4%), shallow pockets (0 vs 2.8%) and loss of attachment (0 vs 1.3%), and a decrease in the mean number of sound sextants (4.85 vs 4.21; p < 0.01) were noticed. Moreover, fewer adolescents declared brushing their teeth at least twice a day (77.8% vs 66.7%; p < 0.001).

The high and constant prevalence of caries and deterioration of the periodontal condition indicate a significant burden on the oral health of adolescents. To improve this situation, the implementation of proper age-oriented oral health programs is needed.