Oral Hygiene Performance and Implant Patients in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of understanding and the importance place on oral hygiene among implant patients in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Methods: Thirty patients (139 implants) participated in this study. Interviewing and a questionnaire was used to record socioeconomic status; gender, age level, career status, marriage status, oral hygiene habits; brushing frequency, time, duration, tools, flossing, mouth washing, and attitude towards hygiene. The type of treatment received recorded filled, root canal, and periodontal. Chi square tests were performed within the 95% interval with p=0.05. Results: There is no statistically significant correlation between oral hygiene habits and personal socioeconomic status. Mean initial tooth brushing age found to be 4.69 years of age and mean tooth brushing frequency was 2.3 times per day. Of the implant patients investigated, 76.67 % did employ dual cleanings after waking up and before bedtime. Only 16.67% did employ cleanings after meals and eating. The average tooth brushing time was 2.5 minutes and brand preferences existed for toothpastes, rather than toothbrushes. Conclusions: It suggested that the dental health education on when to brushing teeth and how to form good oral hygiene habits should be provided and reinforced along with the tooth cleaning tools used for implant patients.