Dental knowledge regarding preventive measures of young adults.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the oral health behavior and knowledge of preventive measures of young adults in Israel. A questionnaire was given to 442 Israeli young adults who were dentally screened immedi-ately after high school. Of these, 44 reported they were treated regularly by certified pediatric dentists, 244 regularly by general practitioners, and the remainder were treated irregularly by general practitioners. Participants who reported treatment by CPDs provided more correct answers to questions about prevention of oral disease. However, the percentage of participants who showed good knowledge was small and differences between the three groups on the various questions were only 1%-30%. Participants who were treated irregularly by GPs reported receiving significantly less instruction and explanations about toothbrushing, mouthrinses, dental flossing and carbohydrate consumption.