Effectiveness of Individual Oral Health Education for Japanese University Students

Purpose: The increased prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis in the early 20s is a concerning oral health problem in Japan. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single individual education program regarding the oral health status and oral health behaviors for university students in their early 20s. Methods: In total, 52 university students aged 20-22 years voluntarily participated in this study. Dental caries indices, the Plaque Index, the Community Periodontal Index-modified, and the unstimulated salivary flow rate were assessed at the beginning (baseline) and end (6 months after baseline) of the study. In addition, oral health behaviors were evaluated via a self-administered questionnaire at both time points. The intervention group received a single education session that included explanations of their oral health status, instructions on oral self-care, and suggestions on oral health behaviors 3 months after the baseline evaluation. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Results: Twenty-seven students in the intervention group and 16 in the control group completed the study. The intervention group demonstrated an increase in the number of filled teeth and a decrease in Plaque Index scores at the end of the study. In addition, gingival bleeding did not exhibit further deterioration at the end of the study. These findings were not observed in the control group. The number of decayed teeth, pocket depth score, and unstimulated salivary flow rate remained unchanged at the end of the study in both groups. An increase in the flossing frequency and the practice of conscious brushing were observed at the end of the study in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: An individual education program for university students in their early 20s may contribute to improvement in their oral health status and behaviors.