Health status and hygiene habit practices of the population benefiting from an oral health education program

Abstract

The dental caries process is defined as a localized phenomenon of multifactorial etiology, emerging from the dialectical interaction between the human organism, its environmental surroundings, and the cultural context. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status and oral hygiene habit practices in a population benefiting from the oral health education program at the Dental Clinic of the Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer. A quantitative longitudinal methodology with an exploratory scope was adopted. Information was recorded for participants both before and after the implementation of interventions and provided guidance. The results demonstrated a decrease in the dmft/def index from 5.63% to 4.81%, accompanied by an effective reduction of dental biofilm in 62% of the participants. Additionally, a significant transition from inadequate oral hygiene habits towards more favorable practices for the prevention of oral diseases was observed. Notably, the highest proportion of caries lesions, biofilm accumulation, and deficient oral hygiene was identified in the female participant group. While dental consultation proved effective in the treatment of caries and the detection of biofilm, the need to assess strategies that integrate a deep understanding of individuals' lifestyles to consolidate adequate long-term oral hygiene habits is underscored. This will enable the development of culturally relevant health promotion and more effectively prevent the development of oral diseases.