Nutritional Education and the State of Oral Health in Adolescents

Background. Health promotion of adolescents is a high priority in Poland. Epidemiological data still indicates the low effectiveness of the health care system in this area. The relationship between the state of oral health and the vocational education of adolescents seems to be justified. The objective is to evaluate changes in the oral health status, eating habits, and the relationship between oral health and lifestyle related to vocational education among students from a secondary technical school of gastronomy and electro-engineering and information technology. Methods. The study consisted of two stages (at the beginning and end of education) and two parts: a questionnaire and a dental examination. The study group initially included 55 male students from the secondary technical school of gastronomy and 54 in electro-engineering and information technology school. In the second stage of the study, it was 42 and 51, respectively. Results. After three years, in the engineering and information technology group, compared to gastronomy one, a statistically significant increase in caries prevalence and the number of students eating between meals was observed. Conclusions. Professional education on proper nutrition conducted in the gastronomic school could have a decisive impact on the better oral health status of students.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the impact of vocational education on the oral health status, eating habits, and lifestyle of students. The results show that students who receive professional nutrition education in gastronomy schools have better oral health.