A survey of oral health status, subjective oral symptoms and oral health behaviors among first-year dental students at a Japanese university.

Purpose: The rapid deterioration of oral health in young adults is an alarming problem in Japan. The aim of the present study is to investigate the oral health status, subjective oral symptoms and oral health behaviors of dental students.

Methods: Participants were 108 first-year students attending dental school in 2018-2019. Oral examinations were performed to assess dental caries indices, oral hygiene status, gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess subjective oral symptoms and oral health behaviors.

Results: The prevalence of decayed teeth (DT) and gingivitis (BOP ≥ 10%) were 43.5% and 50.0%, respectively. Having DT and gingivitis were significantly associated with poorer oral hygiene. No association was observed between DT and subjective symptoms. Having gingivitis was significantly associated with xerostomia, mouth-breathing and less use of interdental cleaning tools. Multiple logistic regression analysis for gingivitis yielded an odds ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.67) for plaque score, and 2.75 (1.27-5.98) for xerostomia.

Conclusion: Since a relatively high ratio of students had DT and gingivitis without clear subjective symptoms, they require regular dental visits for early treatment and oral hygiene maintenance from the start of their time at university.