TABLE 3—
Analysis of MOHDAP Participants’ Preintervention vs Postintervention Oral Health Knowledge: Atlanta, GA, 2013
| Item | Correct Answer | No. (%) Answering Correctly Preintervention | No. (%) Answering Correctly Postintervention | Pre- vs Postintervention P |
| What is gingivitis? | An inflammation of the gums | 30 (66.7) | 40 (90.9) | .011 |
| What is periodontitis (gum disease)? | Inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth or teeth | 39 (86.7) | 39 (90.7) | .74 |
| The hard substance that forms on the teeth if plaque is not removed. | Tartar or calculus | 20 (48.8) | 27 (61.4) | .07 |
| Tobacco (using tobacco products) and alcohol use are risk factors for oral cancer. | True | 44 (97.8) | 44 (97.8) | > .99 |
| Oral habits such as cheek biting and lip biting increase the chance for oral cancer. | True | 20 (47.6) | 29 (65.9) | .033 |
| As one gets older, the chance for cavities decreases (goes down). | False | 34 (75.6) | 37 (84.1) | .21 |
| Poor oral health is worsening in persons with uncontrolled diabetes (sugar). | True | 33 (78.6) | 41 (93.2) | .032 |
| A hard toothbrush is better than a soft toothbrush. | False | 25 (55.6) | 44 (97.8) | < .001 |
| The use of both alcohol and tobacco increases your chances of oral cancer. | True | 41 (95.4) | 43 (97.7) | .57 |
| If you brush 3 times a day instead of twice, flossing is not necessary. | False | 43 (95.6) | 38 (86.4) | .16 |
| Poor dental health is linked to many serious diseases and conditions. | True | 44 (97.8) | 42 (93.35) | .32 |
| What causes tooth decay? | Combination of all of the above (acid, plaque, bacteria) | 38 (84.4) | 40 (88.9) | .53 |
| When should people change their toothbrush? | Once every 2–3 mo or after flu or cold | 38 (86.4) | 36 (80.0) | .49 |
| Fluoride is useful to apply to the teeth because it (does what?) | Decreases the chance of cavities | 33 (73.3) | 36 (80.0) | .37 |
| What is the best way to prevent gum diseases? | All of the abovea | 34 (77.3) | 42 (93.3) | .033 |
| What is the hardest substance in your body? | Enamel | 30 (71.4) | 40 (88.9) | .07 |
| What is the part of the tooth that is below the gum line and anchors the tooth in the bone? | Root | 36 (80.0) | 34 (75.6) | .81 |
| What are the large back teeth for grinding your food? | Molars | 27 (62.8) | 40 (88.9) | < .001 |
| This tooth structure is next to and protects the pulp (nerve). | Cementum | 8 (19.1) | 12 (27.3) | .62 |
| Name the 4 important functions of the teeth. | All of the aboveb | 36 (87.8) | 42 (93.3) | .023 |
Note. MOHDAP = Minority Men’s Oral Health Dental Access Program.
a
Other possible answers were brush your teeth, remove plaque, floss, and brush your tongue.
b
Other possible answers were eating, talking, appearance and support to bone.