ORAL HYGIENE HABITS AND ATTITUDES IN A SCHOOL POPULATION IN L’AQUILA (ITALY)

Aim This study aims to analyse the results of a questionnaire submitted to students of the elementary schools in L’Aquila in order to understand their awareness of a correct caries prevention method by using fluoride. Materials and methods 4th and 5th grade students of elementary schools in L’Aquila were submitted to a questionnaire; from a total of 1205 students, age ranging from 8 to 12, 1094 were questioned; 7 children of 8 years old, 282 of 9, 555 of 10, 243 of 11, 8 of 12, and only 2 of 13, respectively (the last 2 were registered later at school because non-EU citizens). Results Among the Italian population with a low incidence of dental decay, a relatively limited group, called ‘high risk decay group’, revealed a higher incidence of the pathology than the standard one. Conclusion In a multiracial society, as ours, it is important to carry out an effective screening in order to recognize different categories of patients through simple questions inserted in the patient’s case history.