[Oral hygiene habits among Brazilian adults in an urban area of southern Brazil].

AIMS This study sought to analyse the oral hygiene habits (toothbrushing frequency, use of toothpick and dental floss), of a group of Brazilian adults, in relation to socio-demographic variables. The level of dental plaque and number of teeth with gums bleeding after probing were also investigated. METHODOLOGY The sample was composed of 234 women and 237 men, from two socioeconomic status. The age range was from 24 to 44 years. Data was collected through structured interviews and clinical examinations. RESULTS Daily toothbrushing was frequent. The median and mode were three, and it was associated with sex and socio-economic status. The majority of the sample population (67.5%), reported using dental floss and its use was associated with sex and socio-economic status. The use of toothpicks was frequent: 54.6% of the study group used them, and their use was also associated with sex, age and social class. The majority of the sample population had a moderate level of dental plaque (62.6%). The level of dental plaque was associated with social class. A quarter of the subjects did not have teeth with gums bleeding after probing. Bleeding gums were associated with age and social class. CONCLUSION Oral hygiene habits were considered good for most of the participants of the study. However, improvements, are necessary among men and members of low social class.