Oral hygiene in population of southern Poland.

AIMS Proper oral hygiene is an important element in the prevention of many diseases. Oral hygiene habits different depending on the place of residence, age and public awareness. The aim of the study was assessment of oral hygiene habits in a group of patients admitted for cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS The database has been made on the basis of anonymous questionnaires filled by all participants. The study included 643 patients admitted to the hospital for surgical treatment of acquired heart disease. We divided patients into 3 groups depending on age, place of residence and type of heart disease. RESULTS More than 30% of patients brush their teeth once a day or less. Over 40% of all respondents do not attend for regular visits to the dentist. Most patients, who do not brush teeth or dentures were in group > 70 years old (6%) and live in the countryside. Patients in a big city perform control visit the most often (64%) and this group had the largest proportion of pa- tients who declared that the visits take place once a year or more (46%). CONCLUSIONS Habits of proper oral hygiene among patients scheduled for cardiac surgery are at high level. 9 out of 10 patients declares daily teeth brushing. Among patients living in the country, 46% do not use regular visits and only 29% go to the dentist once a year or more often. Education campaigns about influence of the improper oral cavity hygiene should be initiated.