Effect of Dental Visits on Dental Health Behavior of Ground Self-Defense Force Personnel during the Training Period

Abstract

 The oral health of Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel tends to deteriorate during the training period; it is desirable, therefore, to prevent dental diseases through appropriate dental health behavior. However, factors that influence dental health behavior during the training period are not clear. This study examined the effect of dental visits within a year on dental health behavior of Ground SDF (GSDF) personnel during the training period. This study enrolled 658 male personnel who underwent dental health examination at Camp A in 2014 (mean age=35.2±9.4 years). Dental health behavior and periodontal health were assessed using questionnaires and Community Periodontal Index, respectively. Dental health behavior was examined in relation to dental visits in the past year. Personnel with a history of dental visits showed significantly higher frequencies of toothbrushing and toothpaste use during the training period than personnel without a history of dental visits (p<0.01). Path analysis revealed a significant correlation between dental examination behavior and oral hygiene behavior during the non-training and training periods (p<0.01). Oral hygiene behavior during the non-training and training periods was significantly correlated (r=0.38, p<0.01). The results suggest that the dental health behavior of GSDF personnel during the training period may be related to a history of dental visits in the past year.