title: [Knowledge and perceptions of adolescents regarding oral health].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to measure knowledge and perception related to oral health in Quebec children.
  
  
  METHODS
  For this study, a provincial sample of Quebec adolescents, 13 to 14 years old, was set up. Adolescents answered a 46-item questionnaire, specifically designed for the study. The questionnaire was completed by over 1,300 adolescents (participation rate = 53.0%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The answers indicate that adolescents know the importance of toothbrushing and dental services utilization for dental caries prevention. However, their knowledge about dental sealant and fluoride is inadequate. Teenagers believe that they have a significant role to play in the prevention of dental diseases. However, many adolescents consider tooth loss to be a normal consequence of age. The majority of adolescents report their oral health as good. It is noted that dental aesthetics is a more significant factor for them than the quality of their teeth. Finally, dental care is a source of anxiety in one third of the adolescents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study of teenagers' knowledge and perceptions related to oral health shows that these elements are strongly influenced by environment, norm and culture. To improve dental health concerns in teenagers, public health policies should concentrate on these elements.
authors.affiliation: Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en santé de l'Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7. mike.benigeri@umontreal.ca
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benigeri
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Brodeur
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olivier
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bedos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health / Q000592:standards*; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011634:Public Health; D011792:Quebec; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
vernacular_title: Connaissances et perceptions des adolescents face à la santé dentaire.