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- Title
Perspectives on dental health and oral hygiene practice from US adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Authors
Zhang, Long; Waselewski, Marika; Nawrocki, Jack; Williams, Ian; Fontana, Margherita; Chang, Tammy
- Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a critical time for adopting health behaviors which continue through adulthood. There is a lack of data regarding perspectives of US adolescents and young adults on their dental health and oral hygiene practice. Methods: Adolescents and young adults, age 14–24, from MyVoice, a nationwide text message poll of youth. were asked five open-ended questions on the importance of dental health and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. Chi-square test was used to examine differences in experiences by demographics. Results: Of 1,148 participants, 932 responded to at least one question. The mean age was 19 years. Respondents were largely male (49.5%) and non-Hispanic white (62.4%). Most (92%) respondents perceived dental health as important or somewhat important and emphasized overall dental health and hygiene (38.6%) and aesthetics (18.3%). About half (49.2%) of respondents stated they have had at least one cavity since middle school. Just over half (54.8%) reported brushing and flossing to care for their dentition. 58% visited a dentist at least every 6 months, while 38% visited a dentist less frequently or not at all. Being non-cisgender, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and receipt of free or reduced lunch was associated with less frequent dental visits. 44% stated COVID-19 impacted their dental health, with many mentioning scheduling difficulties or worsened dental hygiene. Conclusions: Most youth in our study consider dental health important, though their oral hygiene practice may not follow ADA guidelines and self-reported dental caries are high. Dental healthcare among youth has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with interruption in regular dental visits and changes in hygiene habits. Re-engagement of adolescents and young adults by dental care providers via greater access to appointments and youth-centered messaging reinforcing hygiene recommendations may help youth improve dental health now and in the future.
- Subjects
YOUNG adults; COVID-19 pandemic; ORAL health; ORAL hygiene; DENTAL hygiene; TEENAGERS; HEALTH behavior; DENTAL care utilization
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2023, Vol 17, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0280533