Abstract:

Objective Our aim was to study the oral health behaviour and dietary habits of undergraduates on campus. In order to provide original data for improving oral health education and putting forward an optimized educational pattern. Methods Stratified sampling was used to pick up 1 500 undergraduates from Sichuan University. Participants were investigated by using questionaires on oral health behaviour and dietary habits. Results Most students brushed tooth for keeping tone fresh. The frequency and amount of sugary food intake was mostly once or twice a week and 100~400 g perspectively. Girls ate sugary food in significant higher frequency while boys drank more beverage both in frequency and amount. The majority of students did nothing after taking sugary food and they also failed to pay dental visits when the tooth appearances had changed or toothache had occurred. Unless the hurt feeling had overpassed their tolerance would they consult dentists. Conclusion Most undergraduates lack oral health behavior. Frequency and amount of taking sugary food were in high level while dental visit inclination was low. Universities as well as other institutes should emphasize oral health propaganda and education to improve undergraduates ’ oral health consciousness.

Key words: undergraduate, oral health behavior, dietary habits, questionaire survey