Self-control and self-confidence: their relationship to self-rated oral health status and behaviours.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-control and self-confidence, and students' self-rated oral health and oral-health-related behaviours.


METHODS
The present study sample consisted of 178 first-year medical students. The questionnaire that was used in this study included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural factors, self-reported oral health status, self-control and self-confidence.


RESULTS
The results showed that mean levels of self-confidence in individuals with current extracted teeth and with poor/very poor perceived gingival condition were statistically significant and lower than those with no current extracted teeth and with self-rated excellent gingival health (P < 0.05). Also participants with self-reported gingival bleeding showed lower values of self-control compared with those with healthy non-bleeding gingiva (P < 0.05). When oral health behaviour was evaluated, it was shown that students with higher scores of self-control were more likely to use everyday mouthrinses (P < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analyses showed, for self-rated oral and gingival health status as dependent variable, a strong association with students' self-confidence level (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the view that self-confidence is related with oral health status, and individuals with impaired oral and gingival health have a low self-confidence level.
Dumitrescu
Alexandrina L
AL
Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', Bucharest, Romania. alexandrina_l_dumitrescu@yahoo.co.uk
Dogaru
Beatrice C
BC
Dogaru
Cristian D
CD
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009909:Oral Health; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000523:psychology; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D009067:Mouthwashes