Smoking and other factors influencing the oral health of Lithuanian Army recruits.
The aim of our research was to determine the prevalence of smoking among Lithuanian army recruits and how smoking and other factors affect oral health. The findings of our research showed that 70% of recruits smoke. The analysis of the research findings showed that smoking had a negative effect on oral hygiene. Especially smoking was harmful with respect to periodontal tissues. The periodontal lesions were more prevalent and severe among recruits who smoked. Smokers had a higher Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index than nonsmokers. The analysis of the research findings showed that the state of oral health was related to other factors, such as oral hygiene, age, and education. It was determined that the oral hygiene of males living in the countryside and having poorer education was worse than that of males living in the city. Their status of periodontal tissues was worse, and they had more decayed and untreated teeth. The findings of the logistical regression analysis showed that poor education and living in the country, irregular tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene, and smoking were the most important factors related to a great number of untreated decayed tooth surfaces.
Kelbauskas
Eduardas
E
Kaunas University of Medicine, Clinic of Dental and Oral Pathology, Eiveniø strasse 2, Kaunas, Lithuania. IRENANED@med.kmu.lt
Kelbauskiené
Solveiga
S
Paipaliené
Pajauta
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*