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Poor oral hygiene can lead to systemic diseases and a poorer quality of life, according to research by the specialist at the University of Debrecen's Faculty of Health Sciences. The research, using data from the Hungarian European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and oral hygiene, to highlight risk factors and to suggest solutions for prevention. The research was recognised by the University of Debrecen Foundation with a Publication Award.
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- It is very important to explore regional differences, gender differences within the topic. We were most interested in whether there are demographic differences, whether labour market situation, or income, for example, is an influencing factor. There is a great deal of research on this topic globally, but such a comprehensive survey has not been carried out in Central Europe before. We mainly conducted secondary data processing, as the primary data collection was carried out by the Central Statistical Office. In the EU Member States, this survey is carried out every five years, while in Hungary the oral hygiene status of the population has already been surveyed three times and the next survey is due this year. These representative samples were used as the basis for our survey and we were able to draw conclusions valid for the entire Hungarian population," he said.
The research found that oral hygiene is significantly influenced by gender, age, education, financial status, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity. The study also highlighted that regular visits to the dentist reduced poor oral hygiene and the risk of tooth decay, and that tooth extraction due to tooth decay was also a significant influencing factor, especially if the missing tooth was not replaced.
- There are many interesting findings, such as the fact that men are the main problem, they are less involved in good and regular oral care than women. Those who have a higher level of education are more health conscious, and those who have completed more than eight years of primary school or less are also better off in terms of bleeding gums, periodontal disease and tooth decay. Oral hygiene can be changed, and 70-80% of risk factors can be reduced through lifestyle changes, diet and regular brushing. Our data show that overall oral hygiene in Hungary needs to be improved, as the prevalence of tooth decay and other oral health problems is higher than desirable. This highlights the need to put more emphasis on prevention, timely screening and widespread public education to promote good oral hygiene habits," added Ghanem Amr Sayed.
The ETK expert pointed out that the regional distribution shows that oral health indicators are more balanced in urban areas, due to easier access to health services and higher education levels. Conversely, in the more economically vulnerable rural regions of the country, financial constraints and limited access to dental care make it difficult to carry out regular check-ups and preventive interventions, which may be associated with deterioration in oral hygiene. Local characteristics and sociodemographic composition may also influence oral health outcomes.
A comprehensive database of the research has been compiled, so the application of the results can help improve the oral hygiene of the Hungarian population in the long term, and good oral care can also contribute to overall well-being. The research essentially calls for personalised oral hygiene interventions and aims to make prevention strategies more effective.
A summary of the study has been published in the scientific journal Frontiers and the full article can be read by clicking here.
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