BACKGROUND: Tooth decay is common among adolescents, with about 58% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 experiencing decay in their permanent teeth nationally. Tooth decay can cause pain, infection and tooth loss and can also impact self-esteem and physical appearance. A gap in oral health surveillance data exists for adolescents at the state level. The aim of this study was to establish adolescent oral health data in Wisconsin and to determine if perception of oral health varies among adolescents.
METHODS: The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors Basic Screening Survey protocol was utilized to collect baseline data on the oral health status of ninth grade students. Students completed a self-report survey that included questions on oral health status, dental visits, and risk-factors, which was linked to the Basic Screening Survey. Results were weighted to account for the complex sampling design and non-response. Descriptive statistics were produced to estimate the proportion of ninth grade students experiencing each indicator. Chi-squared tests were used to determine statistically significant differences between groups.
RESULTS: Nearly all ninth graders considered their oral health to be good (50%) or fairly good (45%) and most took care of their teeth well (42%) or fairly well (53%). However, perceptions varied by untreated decay, sex, race and ethnicity, and receipt of free or reduced price meals. Students with untreated decay were less likely to consider their oral health to be good (37%) compared to students without untreated decay (52%) and were less likely to take care of their teeth well (32%) compared to students without untreated decay (44%). In addition, female students and students receiving free or reduced price meals were more likely to worry about the appearance of their teeth. Ninth graders with perceived good oral health were more likely to brush their teeth at least twice per day (67%) compared to students with fairly good (38%) or poor/quite poor oral health (15%). Also, they were more likely to have seen a dentist or dental hygienist in the past 12 months (84%) compared to students with fairly good (77%) or poor/quite poor oral health (49%).
CONCLUSIONS: Most Wisconsin ninth graders perceive their oral health to be good or fairly good. However, perceptions varied by demographics and behaviors. Adolescence is a key time to provide needed dental treatment, oral health education, and establish good oral health habits before adulthood. Strategies need to be developed to meet the specific needs of adolescents.