The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1

The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey

2025 · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1

preprint OA: closed CC-BY-4.0

📄 Open PDF Full text JSON View at publisher

⚙ AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-07, 2026-07-04 · read from full text ⓘ

This sociomedical online survey (2019) assessed the oral-health and dental caries prevention knowledge of Polish primary education teachers of 6-year-olds (355 respondents of 759 invited), using closed questions on caries etiology, benefits of dental care, and caries prophylaxis. Although 88.17% rated their knowledge as adequate/sufficient and most reported delivering oral health classes, teachers showed major knowledge gaps, including use of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, timing of the first dental visit, check-up frequency, and caregiver responsibility for children’s toothbrushing; only 3.1% answered all fluoride/product and prophylaxis questions correctly in 5-year-olds. Knowledge for multiple caries-related items was low (e.g., only 14.93% correctly identified all cariogenic products; 35.77% answered questions on caries etiology correctly), and low objective knowledge did not match high self-assessment. This paper does not explicitly discuss endometriosis or adenomyosis; it was included in the corpus via a keyword match in the upstream search index.

Read from the paper's body, not the abstract. Not a substitute for reading the paper. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in young children attending preschools and primary schools ranging from 41.1% of children aged 3 years to 76.8% of children aged 5 years. As young students are exposed to behavioral patterns and knowledge of their educators during several hours a day it is crucial that teachers should be involved in shaping oral health behaviors as they are recognized as children’s main authority. The state of teachers’ knowledge on oral health and causative factors of dental caries may influence teachers’ attitude to provide oral health education to students. Methods Primary education teachers from schools were invited to take part in this online survey in 2019. An anonymous electronic questionnaire for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis. Statistical analysis of data included comparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables (parametric tests), categorical variables (chi-square test), assessment of the relationships between selected factors (Spearman's correlation analysis); statistical significance level p < 0.05). Results 355 of 759 invited teachers accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaires. 88.17% assessed their knowledge on oral health and caries prevention as adequate or fully satisfying. 80.28% agreed that they should provide oral health care education and 79.72% conducted educational classes on oral health issues, however 33.8% declared they felt unprepared to do so and only 30.7% attended educational programmes covering oral health education. Teachers lacked the knowledge on using fluoride toothpastes from the first tooth present in the oral cavity, time of first visit, frequency of dental check-ups and caregiver responsibility for toothbrushing of preschool children’s teeth. Correct answers to all questions assessing teachers’ knowledge of the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-olds were provided by 3.1% of respondents. 35.77% correctly answered questions regarding etiology of dental caries, 46.2% knew the role of fluoride in caries prevention. All cariogenic products were correctly identified by 14.93% of respondents and 29.3% correctly answered all questions testing knowledge about how to care for children's oral health. Knowledge about the etiology of caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children's oral health was positively correlated with high self-assessment of their own knowledge by teachers. Conclusions Low teachers' level of knowledge in the field of oral health and caries prevention did not correspond to their self-assessment. Since teachers indicated the lack of preparation for conducting educational activities in the field of oral health and caries prevention as a factor limiting the introduction of education on this topic in classes, it is necessary to include this issue in their educational process. As a help for teachers, professionals in the field of oral health and education may create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons.

Full text 197,309 characters · extracted from preprint-html · click to expand

The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey Angelika Kobylińska, Dariusz Gozdowski, Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 05 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in BMC Oral Health → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Despite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in young children attending preschools and primary schools ranging from 41.1% of children aged 3 years to 76.8% of children aged 5 years. As young students are exposed to behavioral patterns and knowledge of their educators during several hours a day it is crucial that teachers should be involved in shaping oral health behaviors as they are recognized as children’s main authority. The state of teachers’ knowledge on oral health and causative factors of dental caries may influence teachers’ attitude to provide oral health education to students. Methods Primary education teachers from schools were invited to take part in this online survey in 2019. An anonymous electronic questionnaire for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis. Statistical analysis of data included comparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables (parametric tests), categorical variables (chi-square test), assessment of the relationships between selected factors (Spearman's correlation analysis); statistical significance level p < 0.05). Results 355 of 759 invited teachers accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaires. 88.17% assessed their knowledge on oral health and caries prevention as adequate or fully satisfying. 80.28% agreed that they should provide oral health care education and 79.72% conducted educational classes on oral health issues, however 33.8% declared they felt unprepared to do so and only 30.7% attended educational programmes covering oral health education. Teachers lacked the knowledge on using fluoride toothpastes from the first tooth present in the oral cavity, time of first visit, frequency of dental check-ups and caregiver responsibility for toothbrushing of preschool children’s teeth. Correct answers to all questions assessing teachers’ knowledge of the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-olds were provided by 3.1% of respondents. 35.77% correctly answered questions regarding etiology of dental caries, 46.2% knew the role of fluoride in caries prevention. All cariogenic products were correctly identified by 14.93% of respondents and 29.3% correctly answered all questions testing knowledge about how to care for children's oral health. Knowledge about the etiology of caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children's oral health was positively correlated with high self-assessment of their own knowledge by teachers. Conclusions Low teachers' level of knowledge in the field of oral health and caries prevention did not correspond to their self-assessment. Since teachers indicated the lack of preparation for conducting educational activities in the field of oral health and caries prevention as a factor limiting the introduction of education on this topic in classes, it is necessary to include this issue in their educational process. As a help for teachers, professionals in the field of oral health and education may create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons. oral health education caries prevention teachers’ knowledge on oral health primary school education public health Figures Figure 1 Contributions to the literature Teachers of young children have a great impact on children’s health habits while developing daily hygiene routine, proper dietary habits and attitude to dental staff. Teachers’ knowledge on causative factors of dental caries, “dental home” and key elements of caries prophylaxis are essential to provide children with education on oral health. Main reason for avoiding education of young school students on oral health issues is the lack of knowledge of teachers as they declare being unprepared during their educational path. The self-assessed high level of knowledge of teachers did not correspond with results of the study indicating the need to introduce changes in the curriculum for early childhood education teachers and the need to create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons. Introduction The etiology of dental caries is known to have a multifactorial background. Among its causative factors social, behavioral and environmental ones, as well as diet and bacteria can be mentioned. Despite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in children worldwide. In Poland, 41.1% of children aged 3 years and 76.8% of children aged 5 years suffer from early childhood caries (ECC) ( 1 , 2 ). A 3-year-old child has on average 1.85 ± 3.14 teeth with caries, and a 5-year-old child − 4.70 ± 4.33. To understand the reasons of high frequency of ECC in Poland sociomedical surveys of parents and legal guardians of preschool children were conducted as they are the persons on whom the child's health behaviors regarding oral health primarily depend. However, it is also extremely important to examine the level of oral health care knowledge of preschool and primary teachers who participate in the upbringing of children and have a significant impact on the development of their health attitudes. Early childhood caries is noted in children attending preschools and primary school, where they spend several hours each day. During this time children are exposed to behavioral patterns and knowledge of their educators. As a professional group having direct contact with children in the period of shaping oral health behaviors, teachers should be involved in educational activities. Preschool and primary school children are particularly susceptible to shaping appropriate behavior, with teachers being their main authority, which is why education at this age is important and teachers should be prepared to provide oral health care education to their students ( 3 , 4 ). Research has shown the effectiveness of health education conducted by teachers ( 5 ). Parents also expect school education and pro-health activities ( 6 ). Teachers must have knowledge in this area to be able to effectively fulfil this task ( 5 ). The lack of basic training may limit the willingness of teachers to participate in educational programmes aimed at students, and, consequently, have an adverse impact on children’s oral health in the future ( 7 – 9 ). Methods This study aimed at assessing teachers' knowledge about oral health and caries prevention in children in Poland. Primary education teachers from schools participating in the programme “Monitoring the oral health of the Polish population in 2016–2020” financed by the Ministry of Health (contract no. 11/1/2019/1210/836, paragraph 3 section 23) were invited to take part in this online survey. This programme was implemented in 15 voivodeships (Lower Silesia, Kuyavia-Pomerania, Lublin voivodeship, Lubusz, Łódź viovodeship, Masovia, Opole voivodeship, Subcarpathia, Podlaskie voivodeship, Pomerania, Silesia, Świętokrzyskie voivodeship, Warmia-Masuria, Greater Poland, West Pomerania) in 2019. Educational institutions invited to participate in the monitoring were selected using multi-stratified sampling. Counties, communes, followed by cities and villages, as well as educational institutions in individual cities were randomly selected in each of the voivodeships. The minimum sample size was calculated to be 250 teachers based on data from the Central Statistical Office and data on the incidence of dental caries as the basic health problem affecting the oral cavity. Participation in the survey was anonymous and voluntary. Prior to participation teachers received written information regarding the scope of the study and its assumptions and consent form of participation. Informed consent to participate was obtained from all of the participants in the study. Electronic questionnaires for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis (supplementary file). Construction of the allowed for comparing the data with surveys carried out in 2008 ( 10 ) and 2018 ( 11 ). Approval was obtained from the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB185/2018). The study was designed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis Comparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables were carried out using parametric tests, i.e. t-test for comparing two groups (e.g. place of residence). Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For the tests performed, the results were presented as p-values, i.e. the observed levels of significance (p < 0.05 is usually considered statistically significant). The relationships between selected factors were assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. The analyzes were performed using SPSS and Statistica programmes with statistical significance level p < 0.05). Results 759 teachers were invited to participate in the questionnaire, of whom 355 accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaires (46.77%): 346 (97.46% women), 9 (2.54% men), mainly from cities (207; 58.31%; p < 0.0029). Due to the small size of male respondents’ group, gender of the teachers was not a variable in the analysis (Table 1 ). Table 1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents Sociodemographic parameters Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Total 207 (58.31%) 148 (41.69%) 0.0029* 355 Age (years) ≤ 30 26 (12.56%) 25 (16.89%) 0.4532 51 (14.37%) 31–40 73 (35.27%) 57 (38.51%) 0.3929 130 (36.62%) 41–50 52 (25.12%) 39 (26.35%) 0.2210 91 (25.63%) 51–60 53 (25.60%) 24 (16.22%) 0.0155* 77 (21.69%) > 60 3 (1.45%) 3 (2.03%) 0.4022 6 (1.69%) Seniority (years) ≤ 5 35 (16.91%) 28 (18.92%) 0.2112 63 (17.75%) 6–10 36 (17.39%) 31 (20.95%) 0.1900 67 (18.87%) 11–20 61 (29.47%) 45 (30.41%) 0.4450 106 (29.86%) > 20 75 (36.23%) 44 (29.73%) 0.0019* 119 (33.52%) * statistically significant Most of the respondents characterized their knowledge on oral health and caries prevention as satisfying. Statistically significant differences between teachers from urban and rural areas were observed in case of fully sufficient and adequate knowledge (p = 0.0033 and p = 0.0188) (Table 2 ). Table 2 Self-assessment of the teachers’ knowledge on oral health and caries prevention in children Self-assessment of the teachers Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Fully sufficient (very good) 52 (25.12%) 31 (20.95%) 0.0033* 83 (23.38%) Adequate 132 (63.77%) 98 (66.22%) 0.0188* 230 (64.79%) Limited (poor) 22 (10.63%) 17 (11.49%) 0.3992 39 (10.99%) Insufficient (very poor) 1 (0.48%) 2 (1.35%) 0.4929 3 (0.85%) * statistically significant Even though every third teacher participated in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, every third respondent assessed the level of his own preparation for providing dental education to children as insufficient (average / poor) (Table 3 ). Table 3 Answers to questions about conducting teaching classes on dental issues for children Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Have you participated in training on oral health and caries prevention in children? Yes 66 (31.88%) 43 (29.05%) 0.2717 109 (30.70%) No 141 (68.12%) 105 (70.95%) 0.1576 246 (69.30%) Do you think that teachers should conduct classes on children's dental issues? Yes 171 (82.61%) 114 (77.03%) 0.0358* 285 (80.28%) No 36 (17.39%) 34 (22.97%) 0.0291* 70 (19.72%) Have you conducted teaching classes for children regarding children's dental issues? Yes 160 (77.29%) 123 (83.11%) 0.0017* 283 (79.72%) No 47 (22.71%) 25 (16.89%) 0.0040* 72 (20.28%) How do you assess your level of preparation for educating children about oral health? Very good 32 (15.46%) 22 (14.86%) 0.4468 54 (15.21%) Good 102 (49.28%) 79 (53.38%) 0.3408 181 (50.99%) Average 66 (31.88%) 46 (31.08%) 0.4859 112 (31.55%) Poor 7 (3.38%) 1 (0.68%) 0.4804 8 (2.25%) * statistically significant Majority of respondents (80.28%) declared that teachers should conduct classes on dental issues for children. Most often, teachers conducted classes on nutrition that promotes dental health, the role of sugar in the etiology of caries, tooth cleaning and visits to the dentist's office (Fig. 1 ). Teachers were asked to answer questions regarding their knowledge about children's visits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children (Table 4 ). Half of the respondents were aware of the correct frequency of dental check-up in children, while every third teacher knew the recommended age for the first dental visit. Most respondents correctly indicated the time when to start brushing, but only every eighth knew that fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as the first tooth erupts. This answer was indicated significantly more often by urban residents (p = 0.0185). The majority of respondents believed that preschool-age children should brush their own teeth (84.23%). Table 4 The answers to the questions regarding teachers’ knowledge about children's visits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children (correct answers in bold). Question Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% How often should a child have a dental check-up? Every 3 months 55 (26.57%) 39 (26.35%) 0.8813 94 (26.48%) Every 6 months 118 (57.00%) 87 (58.78%) 0.4393 205 (57.75%) Every year 31 (14.98%) 19 (12.84%) 0.2590 50 (14.08%) In case of caries 3 (1.45%) 3 (2.03%) 0.5262 6 (1.69%) At what age should a child have first visit to the dentist? 6–12 months 67 (32.37%) 46 (31.08%) 0.2248 113 (31.83%) At the age of 2 years 91 (43.96%) 60 (40.54%) 0.1167 151 (42.54%) At the age of 3 years 22 (10.63%) 19 (12.84%) 0.2103 41 (11.55%) > 3 years of age 27 (13.04%) 23 (15.54%) 0.1808 50 (14.08%) At what child’s age should be tooth brushing introduced? Eruption of first tooth 159 (76.81%) 112 (75.68%) 0.6263 271 (76.34%) At the age of 2 years 31 (14.98%) 27 (18.24%) 0.0718 58 (16.34%) At the age of 3 years 4 (1.93%) 5 (3.38%) 0.1648 9 (2.54%) > 3 years of age 13 (6.28%) 4 (2.70%) 0.1206 17 (4.79%) At what age should be fluoride containing toothpaste introduced? Eruption of first tooth 34 (16.43%) 13 (8.78%) 0.0185* 47 (13.24%) At the age of 2 years 33 (15.94%) 19 (12.84%) 0.0677 52 (14.65%) At the age of 3 years 31 (14.98%) 27 (18.24%) 0.0123* 58 (16.34%) > 3 years of age 109 (52.66%) 89 (60.14%) 0.0065* 198 (55.77%) Should a preschool-age child brush his or her own teeth? Yes 173 (83.57%) 126 (85.14%) 0.1756 299 (84.23%) No 27 (13.04%) 20 (13.51%) 0.5069 47 (13.24%) I don’t know 7 (3.38%) 2 (1.35%) 0.2494 9 (2.54%) All answers correctly indicated 2 (0.97%) 2 (1.35%) 0.8440 4 (1.13%) * statistically significant The most frequently indicated methods of helping a child by an adult are presented in Table 5 . There was a statistically significant difference between urban and rural teachers in the frequency of indicating ways of helping: cleaning the child's teeth by an adult, cleaning the child's teeth and the caregiver at the same time, the caregiver controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning and using verbal commands. Table 5 Ways of helping a child to clean their teeth by an adult in teachers’ opinion Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Supporting child’s toothbrush while the child performs cleaning 87 (42.03%) 69 (46.62%) 0.1423 156 Brushing the child's teeth by an adult 30 (14.49%) 14 (9.46%) 0.0467* 44 Brushing the child's teeth by himself / herself and the caregiver teeth at the same time 127 (61.35%) 103 (69.59%) 0.0389* 230 The caregiver controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning 152 (73.43%) 102 (68.92%) 0.0217* 254 Verbal commands 127 (61.35%) 98 (66.22%) 0.0272* 225 Paying attention to duration of tooth brushing 172 (83.09%) 125 (84.46%) 0.3151 297 Applying toothpaste to toothbrush by caregiver 85 (41.06%) 65 (43.92%) 0.3294 150 * statistically significant Teachers’ knowledge of the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-olds was assessed based on true-false questions included in the questionnaire. Correct answers to all questions were provided by 3.1% of respondents (Table 6 ). Only every third respondent knew that varnish with a high fluoride content could be used in children of this age - the difference between teachers from urban and rural areas was statistically significant (p = 0.0154). Table 6 The true/false statements related to the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children in the opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold) What can be used in children aged 5 years?: Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Fluoride mouthrinses True 80 (38.65%) 59 (39.86%) 0.5361 139 (39.15%) False 127 (61.35%) 89 (60.14%) 0.7221 216 (60.85%) Sonic toothbrush True 130 (62.80%) 99 (66.89%) 0.0092* 229 (64.51%) False 77 (37.20%) 49 (33.11%) 0.0031* 126 (35.49%) Electric toothbrush True 157 (75.85%) 117 (79.05%) 0.0319* 274 (77.18%) False 50 (24.15%) 31 (20.95%) 0.0283* 81 (22.82%) Dental floss True 115 (55.56%) 86 (58.11%) 0.0446* 201 (56.62%) False 92 (44.44%) 62 (41.89%) 0.0775 154 (43.38%) Fluoride varnish (with high fluoride content) True 58 (28.02%) 48 (32.43%) 0.0154* 106 (29.86%) False 149 (71.98%) 100 (67.57%) 0.0135* 249 (70.14%) Fluoride gel (with high fluoride content) True 57 (27.54%) 40 (27.03%) 0.6955 97 (27.32%) False 150 (72.46%) 108 (72.97%) 0.6502 258 (72.68%) All answers correctly indicated 7 (3.38%) 4 (2.70%) 0.5137 11 (3.10%) * statistically significant Teachers were also asked to express their opinion on the statements regarding the etiology of dental caries (Table 7 ). Most respondents knew that tooth decay is not caused by pregnancy nor inherited, and they indicated the presence of bacteria and sugars as its causative factors. Nearly half were sure that dental caries is caused by general diseases (46.2%). Every fourth respondent associated caries with parasitic diseases. The percentage of teachers who provided correct answers to all questions regarding the etiology of dental caries was significantly higher in rural areas (p = 0.0102). Table 7 The true/false statements related to caries etiology in the opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold) Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Dental caries is caused by pregnancy True 33 (15.94%) 28 (18.92%) 0.0216* 61 (17.18%) False 174 (84.06%) 120 (81.08%) 0.0227* 294 (82.82%) Dental caries is inherited True 38 (18.36%) 29 (19.59%) 0.4953 67 (18.87%) False 169 (81.64%) 119 (80.41%) 0.5921 288 (81.13%) Dental caries is caused by general diseases True 101 (48.79%) 63 (42.57%) 0.0043* 164 (46.20%) False 106 (51.21%) 85 (57.43%) 0.0522 191 (53.80%) Dental caries is caused by parasitic diseases True 55 (26.57%) 38 (25.68%) 0.2543 93 (26.20%) False 152 (73.43%) 110 (74.32%) 0.7505 262 (73.80%) Tooth caries is caused by bacteria and sugars True 204 (98.55%) 146 (98.65%) 0.1009 350 (98.59%) False 3 (1.45%) 2 (1.35%) 0.2816 5 (1.41%) All answers correctly indicated 69 (33.33%) 58 (39.19%) 0.0102* 127 (35.77%) * statistically significant Almost all respondents knew the benefits of regular visits to the dentist, tooth brushing and limiting sugar consumption (Table 8 ). Nearly half of them did not understand the importance of fluoride prevention and every fourth believed that caries is prevented by rinsing the mouth with herbal mouthwashes, and every third with water (significantly more often teachers from cities). The use of fluoride and xylitol compounds in the prevention of caries was significantly more often indicated by teachers from rural areas, while a lower frequency of snacks was significantly more often indicated by respondents from cities. Unfortunately, not everyone understood the importance of cleaning approximal surfaces of teeth with dental floss. Three teachers believed that tooth decay could not be prevented. Table 8 Methods of caries prevention in opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold). Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Caries cannot be prevented 1 (0.48%) 2 (1.35%) 0.4351 3 (0.85%) Rinsing with water 79 (38.16%) 48 (32.43%) 0.0371* 127 (35.77%) Using toothpicks 32 (15.46%) 18 (12.16%) 0.1253 50 (14.08%) Using dental floss 142 (68.60%) 102 (68.92%) 0.3815 244 (68.73%) Tooth brushing 204 (98.55%) 145 (97.97%) 0.3638 349 (98.31%) Regular dental check-ups 200 (96.62%) 141 (95.27%) 0.3354 341 (96.06%) Avoiding sugar 198 (95.65%) 145 (97.97%) 0.1463 343 (96.62%) Xylitol usage 50 (24.15%) 44 (29.73%) 0.0296* 94 (26.48%) Using special medications 5 (2.42%) 5 (3.38%) 0.4526 10 (2.82%) Using fluoride compounds 91 (43.96%) 73 (49.32%) 0.0275* 164 (46.20%) Using herbal mouthwashes 47 (22.71%) 35 (23.65%) 0.1713 82 (23.10%) Limiting snacks 141 (68.12%) 96 (64.86%) 0.0228* 237 (66.76%) All answers correctly indicated 8 (3.86%) 13 (8.78%) 0.0419* 21 (5.92%) * statistically significant Almost all respondents knew that sugar and sweetened products, such as sweets, are harmful to teeth (Table 9 ). Only 67.32% knew that salted starch products are also cariogenic, and 60.85% knew the negative impact of fruit juices. Unfortunately, every tenth teacher did not know the protective role of milk and natural yogurt for teeth, and only 37.75% knew that yogurt and fruit cream cheese are harmful to teeth. Mineral water (1.97%), vegetables (2.54%), and sugar-free tea (6.48%), as well as sugar-free chewing gum (16.34%) and xylitol (21.13%) were wrongly indicated as contributing to tooth decay. Xylitol was significantly more often considered cariogenic by teachers from urban areas. All cariogenic products were correctly identified by 14.93% of respondents. Table 9 Respondents' answers regarding food products/drinks that cause tooth decay (cariogenic products in bold) Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/(%) Fresh fruit 51 (24.64%) 27 (18.24%) 0.0056* 78 (21.97%) Vegetables 6 (2.90%) 3 (2.03%) 0.5062 9 (2.54%) Sponge cakes, cookies, cakes, donuts, cakes, sweet rolls, biscuits 198 (95.65%) 138 (93.24%) 0.2494 336 (94.65%) Candies, bars 204 (98.55%) 146 (98.65%) 0.7454 350 (98.59%) Jam / honey 143 (69.08%) 100 (67.57%) 0.3902 243 (68.45%) Chewing gum with sugar 186 (89.86%) 133 (89.86%) 0.6039 319 (89.86%) Sugar-free chewing gum 32 (15.46%) 26 (17.57%) 0.3596 58 (16.34%) Fruit juices 123 (59.42%) 93 (62.84%) 0.1491 216 (60.85%) Xylitol 55 (26.57%) 20 (13.51%) 0.0084* 75 (21.13%) Sweetened carbonated drinks 193 (93.24%) 142 (95.95%) 0.4357 335 (94.37%) Tea with sugar 167 (80.68%) 115 (77.70%) 0.1754 282 (79.44%) Tea without sugar 12 (5.80%) 11 (7.43%) 0.0768 23 (6.48%) Milk or cocoa with sugar 156 (75.36%) 105 (70.95%) 0.0493* 261 (73.52%) Salted chips, sticks or crackers 137 (66.18%) 102 (68.92%) 0.1837 239 (67.32%) Mineral water 3 (1.45%) 4 (2.70%) 0.2787 7 (1.97%) Unsweetened milk 23 (11.11%) 15 (10.14%) 0.7852 38 (10.70%) Natural yogurts 19 (9.18%) 10 (6.76%) 0.2174 29 (8.17%) Yogurts or cream cheeses with fruit 77 (37.20%) 57 (38.51%) 0.7781 134 (37.75%) Raisins 83 (40.10%) 61 (41.22%) 0.7203 144 (40.56%) Muesli 69 (33.33%) 45 (30.41%) 0.1286 114 (32.11%) Fries 79 (38.16%) 70 (47.30%) 0.0092* 149 (41.97%) Hard cheeses 31 (14.98%) 29 (19.59%) 0.0141* 60 (16.90%) All answers correctly indicated 30 (14.49%) 23 (15.54%) 0.3441 53 (14.93%) * statistically significant Most, but not all, respondents understood that children's teeth should be regularly checked by a dentist and knew the importance of proper hygiene and dietary behavior (Table 10 ). However the lack of knowledge of every third teacher about the need to clean a child's teeth by an adult is disturbing. Slightly more than half of respondents (55.21%) knew about the benefits of fluoride prophylaxis. Not everyone was aware of the importance of the health of primary teeth in terms of the health of permanent teeth. Correct answers to all questions testing knowledge about how to care for children's oral health were given by 29.3% of teachers. Table 10 Answers to questions checking respondents' general knowledge of how to care for children's oral health (correct answers in bold). Urban area Rural area p-value Total n/% Children should have regular check-ups at the dentist. Yes 203 (98.07%) 146 (98.65%) 0.4913 349 (98.31%) No 1 (0.48%) 1 (0.68%) 0.6862 2 (0.56%) I don’t know 3 (1.45%) 1 (0.68%) 0.4437 4 (1.13%) Frequent snacking between main meals promotes tooth decay. Yes 171 (82.61%) 121 (81.76%) 0.3771 292 (82.25%) No 13 (6.28%) 13 (8.78%) 0.1682 26 (7.32%) I don’t know 23 (11.11%) 14 (9.46%) 0.1275 37 (10.42%) Excessive sugar consumption causes tooth decay. Yes 199 (96.14%) 142 (95.95%) 0.3993 341 (96.06%) No 2 (0.97%) 2 (1.35%) 0.6482 4 (1.13%) I don’t know 6 (2.90%) 4 (2.70%) 0.4872 10 (2.82%) Children should use fluoride compounds that protect against caries. Yes 127 (61.35%) 69 (46.62%) 0.0056* 196 (55.21%) No 65 (31.40%) 68 (45.95%) 0.0145* 133 (37.46%) I don’t know 15 (7.25%) 11 (7.43%) 0.4336 26 (7.32%) Children under 10 years of age need an adult's help to clean their teeth. Yes 139 (67.15%) 95 (64.19%) 0.1688 234 (65.92%) No 29 (14.01%) 18 (12.16%) 0.1373 47 (13.24%) I don’t know 39 (18.84%) 35 (23.65%) 0.0136* 74 (20.85%) Primary teeth do not require as much care as permanent teeth because they will fall out soon. Yes 11 (5.31%) 5 (3.38%) 0.1991 16 (4.51%) No 192 (92.75%) 136 (91.89%) 0.2541 328 (92.39%) I don’t know 4 (1.93%) 7 (4.73%) 0.0309* 11 (3.10%) Decay of primary teeth "transfers" to permanent teeth. Yes 162 (78.26%) 108 (72.97%) 0.0111* 270 (76.06%) No 16 (7.73%) 21 (14.19%) 0.0191* 37 (10.42%) I don’t know 29 (14.01%) 19 (12.84%) 0.1747 48 (13.52%) Parents should limit giving children sweets and sweetened drinks Yes 203 (98.07%) 147 (99.32%) 0.6976 350 (98.59%) No 2 (0.97%) 0 (0.00%) 0.8771 2 (0.56%) I don’t know 2 (0.97%) 1 (0.68%) 0.8547 3 (0.85%) All answers correctly indicated 64 (30.92%) 40 (27.03%) 0.0899 104 (29.30%) * statistically significant The analysis of rank correlation coefficients showed statistically significant relationships between sociodemographic factors, such as age, seniority, place of residence, and teachers' knowledge (Table 11 ). Knowledge about the etiology of caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children's oral health was positively correlated with high self-assessment of their own knowledge by teachers. Table 11 Spearman's rank correlation coefficients indicating factors influencing teachers' knowledge of caring for children's oral health. Correct answers to all questions regarding: children's visits to the dentist and cleaning of children's teeth use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children etiology of caries the use of fluoride compounds in the prevention of caries methods of caries prevention foods/drinks that promote tooth decay general knowledge about caring for children's oral health Correct answers to all questions regarding general knowledge about caring for children's oral health 0.0009 0.0191 0.0317 0.0128 0.0268 0.0302 - Gender 0.0172 0.0288 0.0292 0.0291 0.0404 0.0173 0.0172 Age 0.0052 0.0547 0.1029* 0.1181* 0.1455* 0.1358* 0.1052* Place of residence (urban area) 0.0180 0.0193 0.0602 0.0093 0.1028* 0.0145 0.0180 Seniority 0.0005 0.0519 0.1097* 0.0300 0.0913 0.1814* 0.1005* Participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children 0.0711 0.0133 0.1147* 0.0401 0.0116 0.0047 0.0711 Self-assessment of knowledge (fully sufficient/adequate) 0.0062 0.0152 0.0732 0.0023 0.0919 0.0311 0.1262* * statistically significant Discussion The majority of survey participants was in the age of 31–40 years, and they consisted of teachers with at least 10 years of seniority. In comparison in 2018 the participants were younger and as a result they also had less years of occupational activity ( 11 ). A similar age structure and work experience presented in literature ( 12 , 13 ), can be explained by electronic distribution of the questionnaire and the convenience of completing the survey. Self-assessment of knowledge and providing classes on oral health care Teachers’ unsatisfactory knowledge of the etiology and prevention of caries may be due to the low percentage of respondents participating in oral health courses, which indicates the need for educating teachers so that, being aware of the role of oral health and methods for its maintenance, they can pass on this knowledge to students. The majority of teachers (80.28%) agreed with the statement that they should teach about the causes of caries and the principles of nutrition, e.g. about the dangers of sugar. In comparison, the same need was indicated by 43–60% of teachers in India ( 12 , 13 ) and 97.1% in Pakistan ( 14 ). In Poland in 2008 ( 10 ), 58% of respondents conducted teaching classes for children on dental issues, while in 2018 less than half (45.5%) ( 11 ). A similar percentage of teachers involved in educational programmes was reported by Reddy et al. and Patil et al. ( 12 , 13 ). In the study of Sana et al. 22.2% of teachers indicated lack of knowledge on oral health topics as a barrier in delivering oral health education to students ( 14 ). In the presented study 79.72% of respondents have conducted teaching classes on children’s dental issues, however only 15,21% felt prepared to do so. In the study of Patil et al. about 57.4% of the teachers expressed their willingness to introduce classes on caries prevention to the curriculum ( 12 ). However, only 14.3% of respondents participated in training courses on this subject ( 12 ), which is less than 30.7% noted in our study. We observed a correlation between self-assessed knowledge as fully sufficient or adequate and all correct answers to questions regarding general knowledge about caring for children's oral health (R = 0.1262). Caries aetiology It is noteworthy that nearly all respondents (99.15%) were convinced that caries is preventable. A similar opinion was reported for 95.3% of Indian teachers ( 12 ), whereas in 2018 100% of Polish respondents presented this conviction ( 11 ). Majority of the teachers in the survey identified bacteria as aetiological factor of dental caries, similarly to other researches ( 15 ). In the study by Bhatti and Malik, 92% of the 150 teachers surveyed, pointed to dental plaque ( 16 ). However Reddy et al., stated that only 10% of the surveyed teachers knew the role of bacteria in the aetiology of caries, with sugar intake and incorrect/irregular tooth brushing reported by 45% and 15% of respondents, respectively ( 13 ). Teachers from Saudi Arabia pointed to bacteria (80%), sugar intake (80%) and irregular brushing (91.5%) as the cause of caries ( 15 ). Of the 554 participants in the study by Patil et al., only 57% pointed to bacteria as an aetiological factor of caries, 60% believed that the amount of sweets consumed was responsible, and 35% did not know the role of the frequency of consuming sweets. Irregular brushing and calcium deficiency were indicated by 56 and 61% of respondents, respectively ( 12 ). The level of knowledge of Polish teachers about the importance of bacteria and sugar in the aetiology of caries has increased, but so has the percentage of teachers incorrectly pointing to systemic and parasitic diseases, as well as natural aging processes, as the cause of caries ( 10 , 11 ). The low level of knowledge about aetiological factors translated into a small percentage of Indian teachers (34%) with knowledge about methods for caries prevention ( 13 ). Caries prevention Visits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children Over the decade, the level of knowledge about caries prevention among Polish teachers has decreased significantly. A significant proportion of respondents still believe that herbal mouthwashes prevent caries, while the percentage of teachers who consider fluoride prophylaxis effective is currently the lowest among those compared. The majority (98.31%) of Polish respondents understood that children should have their dentition regularly checked by a dentist, with similar results obtained in 2018 − 98.2% ( 11 ) and by Baltacı et al. (83.3% out of 226 Turkish teachers) ( 17 ) and Aljanakh et al. (88%) ( 15 ), lower percentage of respondents reported Patil et al. (51.6%) and Reddy et al. (58%) and ( 12 , 13 ). Every second respondent knew the correct frequency of dental check-up and every third the age of the first visit. 76.34% of respondents correctly recognised the time of first tooth eruption as the right time for introduction of tooth brushing, but only 13.24% knew that fluoride containing toothpaste should be used. The same percentage indicated that preschool children should not brush their teeth themselves. Most commonly mentioned ways of helping children while brushing included brushing the child's teeth by himself / herself and the caregiver's teeth at the same time, controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning by the caregiver, giving verbal commands and paying attention to the duration of tooth brushing Among teachers 13.24% wrongly pointed out the lack of need for help in cleaning teeth for children under 10 years of age and 20.85% declared lack of knowledge in this subject. Only 3.1% of teachers correctly answered questions related to the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children. Only 55.21% of respondents considered fluoride compounds as protective anticaries measure, and 46.2% indicated fluoride usage as a method of caries prophylaxis. Also xylitol usage still is not recognized as preventive anticaries measure (26.48%). A similar problem was identified by Indian researchers, who reported that teachers are convinced of the need to use toothpaste (96%) ( 13 ) and regular brushing (63%) ( 9 ), but only 20–57% of them knew about the prophylactic properties of fluoride compounds present in toothpaste ( 12 , 13 ), and 55% had no knowledge about the use of dental floss for cleaning the interdental surfaces (v. 68.73% in our study) ( 13 ). The percentage of Polish teachers who indicated dental floss as an effective way to prevent caries decreased from 85.5% ( 11 ) to 68.73% which is similar to Turkish teachers (70%) ( 17 ). The lack of knowledge on fluoride prophylactic action in case of caries is well documented among teachers. Tangade et al. showed that 15.3% of teachers considered fluoride to be a teeth whitening agent, 6.7% considered fluoride to be harmful to teeth, and 23.3% did not know for what purpose it was added to toothpastes ( 18 ). Only 54.6% of respondents correctly identified fluoride as a factor protecting against caries. In a study by Baltaci et al., 39% of respondents indicated the use of fluoride compounds in oral hygiene products as a preventive factor ( 17 ). Diet Frequent snacking between main meals and excessive sugar consumption causes tooth decay was correctly recognised as promoting tooth decay by 82.25% and 96.06% of teachers. Also recommendation of limiting sweets and sweetened drinks by parents was pointed out by 98.59% of respondents. Only 14.93% correctly recognised cariogenic food products. Less than half of the teachers considered yogurts or cream cheeses with fruit, raisins, muesli and fries as causing caries. In the study of Sana poor dietary habits, particularly high sugar intake (67.5%) was perceived by teachers as the primary cause of poor oral health among school children ( 14 ). Factors influencing teachers' knowledge of caring for children's oral health Spearman's rank correlation coefficients revealed that age of the participants correlates with correct answers to questions regarding knowledge on etiology of caries, usage of fluoride compounds as a preventive measure, methods of caries prevention, food/drinks promoting caries and general knowledge about caring for childrens’ oral health. Participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children was correlated with knowledge on etiology of caries. Conclusions / Summary Preschool and primary education teachers in Poland are aware of the role they can play in shaping children's health attitudes and express the opinion that the scope of their teaching should include content related to oral health. The insufficient level of knowledge about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay, especially about the safety, effectiveness and methods of using fluoride prophylaxis, indicates the need to undertake educational activities among teachers and provide them with educational materials constituting the basis for teaching children. Abbreviations ECC early childhood caries Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB185/2018) Informed consent to participate was obtained from all of the participants in the study Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests Funding The study was founded by Ministry of Health in Poland as a part of programme “Monitoring the oral health of the Polish population in 2016-2020” (contract no. 11/1/2019/1210/836, paragraph 3 section 23). Authors' contributions AK: data collection, analysis, preparation of the manuscript DG: statistical analysis DOK: concept and design, data analysis, supervision of the manuscript Acknowledgements Not applicable Authors' information (optional) AK, DOK - specialist in pedodontics Clinical trial number: not applicable. References D. Olczak-Kowalczyk, A. Mielczarek (ed.). Monitoring zdrowia jamy ustnej : monitorowanie stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej populacji polskiej w latach 2016-2020 : ocena stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowań w populacji polskiej w wieku 3, 18 oraz 35-44 lata w 2017 roku. Warsaw: Dział Redakcji i Wydawnictw Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego;2018. D. Olczak-Kowalczyk (ed.). Monitoring zdrowia jamy ustnej : monitorowanie stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej populacji polskiej w latach 2016-2020 : ocena stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowań w populacji polskiej w wieku 5, 7 i 12 lat w 2016 roku. Warsaw: Dział Redakcji i Wydawnictw Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego; 2017. Waszczuk J, Konowaluk-Nikitin H, Pawłowicz-Sosnowska E. Kształtowanie nawyków prozdrowotnych u dzieci w młodszym wieku szkolnym w kontekście edukacji sustensywnej. Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae 2021;19(2):55-61. Sgan-Cohen HD, Saadi S, Weissman A. Dental knowledge and attitudes among Arab schoolteachers in northern Israel. Int Dent J. 1999;49:269-274. Craft M, Croucher R, Dickinson J et al. Natural Nashers: a programme of dental health education for adolescents in schools. Int Dent J.1984;34:204-213. Chałdaś-Majdańska J, Terzic-Markovic D, Dimoski Z, Dobrowolska B. Analiza ocze- kiwań rodziców dzieci w wieku wczesnoszkolnym wobec szkolnej edukacji zdrowot- nej i działań promujących zdrowie w środowisku nauczania i wychowania a zacho- wania zdrowotne w rodzinie ucznia. Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2020;26(2):155-163. Glasrud PH, Frazier PJ. Future elementary school teachers’ knowledge and opinions about oral health and community programs. J Public Health Dent. 1988;48:74-80. Loupe MJ, Frazier PJ. Knowledge and attitudes of schoolteachers toward oral health programs and preventive dentistry. J Am Dent Assoc. 1983;107:229-234. Stephen S. Teachers as dental health educators. Odontostomatol Trop. 1984;7:205- 208. Wierzbicka M, Szatko F, Strużycka I et al. Monitoring Zdrowia Jamy ustnej. Stan zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowania oraz potrzeby profilaktyczno-lecznicze dzieci w wieku 6 i 12 lat oraz młodzieży w wieku 18 lat. Warsaw 2012. Kobylińska Angelika, Gozdowski Dariusz, Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota. Wiedza nauczycieli w zakresie etiologii próchnicy i jej zapobiega- nia – pilotażowe badanie ankietowe. Teachers’ knowledge on caries aetiology and prevention – a pilot survey. Nowa Stomatol. 2022;27(3):115-123. DOI: 10.25121/NS.2022.27.3.115 Patil D, Khakhar P, Katge F et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of school teachers regarding dental caries for school children in Navi Mumbai, India. Indian J Dent Sci. 2022;14:11-17. Reddy KV, Venketsubramaniyan R, Togaru H et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of school teachers toward dental caries and prevention in Tirupati City, Andhra Pradesh. Int J Pedod Rehabil. 2019;4:22-25. Sana R, Niaz A, Hameed A, Nisar P, Khattak SUR. The role of teachers in providing oral health education to school children. Journal of Khyber College of Dentistry. 2024;14(4). http://doi. org/10.33279/jkcd.v14i04.828 Aljanakh M, Siddiqui AA, Mirza AJ. Teachers’ knowledge about oral health and their interest in oral health education in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(1):87-93. Bhatti MUD, Malik H. Frequency of dental caries among secondary school children of northwest Pakistan and their teachers’ oral health knowledge, attitude and practices. Pakistan Oral & Dental Journal 2019;39(2):179. Baltacı E, Baygın Ö, Tüzüner T, Korkmaz FM. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pre-school teachers on oral and dental health in the city center of Trabzon. Eur Oral Res. 2019;53(1):12-20. Tangade PS, Jain M, Mathur A, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease Prevention among Primary School Teachers in Belgaum City, India. Brazilian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry and Integrated Clinic 2011;11(1):77-81. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files Questionnaireteachers.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 05 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in BMC Oral Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 01 Sep, 2025 Reviews received at journal 27 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Aug, 2025 Reviews received at journal 22 Aug, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 20 Aug, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 14 Aug, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 06 Aug, 2025 Editor invited by journal 31 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 30 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 30 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7177274","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":503251838,"identity":"3ab5ba81-a023-4bc2-ba3f-0b77916621d4","order_by":0,"name":"Angelika Kobylińska","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Medical University of Warsaw","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Angelika","middleName":"","lastName":"Kobylińska","suffix":""},{"id":503251840,"identity":"475afc88-e457-4498-8d80-8a6831fdcfd7","order_by":1,"name":"Dariusz Gozdowski","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Medical University of Warsaw","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dariusz","middleName":"","lastName":"Gozdowski","suffix":""},{"id":503251841,"identity":"1f9b1a39-02ae-4f2b-9824-0bcfb74357c4","order_by":2,"name":"Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA7ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHACAwYeIMnYAGJXADEzcwMpWs6AtDASqQUMGNsY4LpxAnP25o0P3lTckWduP2MmdXNebTR/O1DLj4ptOLVY9hwrNpxz5plhY0+OmXTutuO5Mw4zNjD2nLmN21U3gCp52w4nMDbkbgNqOZbbANTCzNiGR8v9N1At/W+BWuYcy51PUMsNHqiWGSBbGmpyNxDSYtmTBvLLYcPGGe8/W+ccO5C7EajlID6/mLMfBoXYYXnD/rTE2zk1dbnzzh8++OBHBR6HwRiGDWDqMJg8gFM9shZ5CFWHT/EoGAWjYBSMUAAAKqNfgCSl0hUAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Medical University of Warsaw","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dorota","middleName":"","lastName":"Olczak-Kowalczyk","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-21 12:08:27","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-07854-1","type":"published","date":"2026-02-05T15:58:29+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":89655654,"identity":"9d807104-489e-441d-8a0d-81a3f10ce83b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-22 10:24:08","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":78788,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe topics of teaching classes conducted by teachers, taking into account the place of residence\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7177274/v1/d64e4e42238c282c23bafe08.jpg"},{"id":102234317,"identity":"700e8e96-62a9-4f29-82e2-14e83b760e85","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-02-09 16:09:52","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1561677,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7177274/v1/3fb29390-795b-4a7d-91b1-df4c5fe8db9c.pdf"},{"id":89657046,"identity":"e932d5c0-ed5d-4415-ab94-560d3e4ec9ab","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-22 10:32:08","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":222295,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Questionnaireteachers.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7177274/v1/880498c61c006a54f9d3bf94.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey","fulltext":[{"header":"Contributions to the literature","content":"\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTeachers of young children have a great impact on children\u0026rsquo;s health habits while developing daily hygiene routine, proper dietary habits and attitude to dental staff.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTeachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge on causative factors of dental caries, \u0026ldquo;dental home\u0026rdquo; and key elements of caries prophylaxis are essential to provide children with education on oral health.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMain reason for avoiding education of young school students on oral health issues is the lack of knowledge of teachers as they declare being unprepared during their educational path.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe self-assessed high level of knowledge of teachers did not correspond with results of the study indicating the need to introduce changes in the curriculum for early childhood education teachers and the need to create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe etiology of dental caries is known to have a multifactorial background. Among its causative factors social, behavioral and environmental ones, as well as diet and bacteria can be mentioned. Despite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in children worldwide. In Poland, 41.1% of children aged 3 years and 76.8% of children aged 5 years suffer from early childhood caries (ECC) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). A 3-year-old child has on average 1.85 ± 3.14 teeth with caries, and a 5-year-old child − 4.70 ± 4.33. To understand the reasons of high frequency of ECC in Poland sociomedical surveys of parents and legal guardians of preschool children were conducted as they are the persons on whom the child's health behaviors regarding oral health primarily depend. However, it is also extremely important to examine the level of oral health care knowledge of preschool and primary teachers who participate in the upbringing of children and have a significant impact on the development of their health attitudes. Early childhood caries is noted in children attending preschools and primary school, where they spend several hours each day. During this time children are exposed to behavioral patterns and knowledge of their educators. As a professional group having direct contact with children in the period of shaping oral health behaviors, teachers should be involved in educational activities. Preschool and primary school children are particularly susceptible to shaping appropriate behavior, with teachers being their main authority, which is why education at this age is important and teachers should be prepared to provide oral health care education to their students (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Research has shown the effectiveness of health education conducted by teachers (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Parents also expect school education and pro-health activities (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Teachers must have knowledge in this area to be able to effectively fulfil this task (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The lack of basic training may limit the willingness of teachers to participate in educational programmes aimed at students, and, consequently, have an adverse impact on children’s oral health in the future (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR8\" citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e–\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed at assessing teachers' knowledge about oral health and caries prevention in children in Poland. Primary education teachers from schools participating in the programme “Monitoring the oral health of the Polish population in 2016–2020” financed by the Ministry of Health (contract no. 11/1/2019/1210/836, paragraph 3 section 23) were invited to take part in this online survey. This programme was implemented in 15 voivodeships (Lower Silesia, Kuyavia-Pomerania, Lublin voivodeship, Lubusz, Łódź viovodeship, Masovia, Opole voivodeship, Subcarpathia, Podlaskie voivodeship, Pomerania, Silesia, Świętokrzyskie voivodeship, Warmia-Masuria, Greater Poland, West Pomerania) in 2019. Educational institutions invited to participate in the monitoring were selected using multi-stratified sampling. Counties, communes, followed by cities and villages, as well as educational institutions in individual cities were randomly selected in each of the voivodeships. The minimum sample size was calculated to be 250 teachers based on data from the Central Statistical Office and data on the incidence of dental caries as the basic health problem affecting the oral cavity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipation in the survey was anonymous and voluntary. Prior to participation teachers received written information regarding the scope of the study and its assumptions and consent form of participation. Informed consent to participate was obtained from all of the participants in the study. Electronic questionnaires for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis (supplementary file). Construction of the allowed for comparing the data with surveys carried out in 2008 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e) and 2018 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Approval was obtained from the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB185/2018). The study was designed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eComparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables were carried out using parametric tests, i.e. t-test for comparing two groups (e.g. place of residence). Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For the tests performed, the results were presented as p-values, i.e. the observed levels of significance (p \u0026lt; 0.05 is usually considered statistically significant). The relationships between selected factors were assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. The analyzes were performed using SPSS and Statistica programmes with statistical significance level p \u0026lt; 0.05).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e759 teachers were invited to participate in the questionnaire, of whom 355 accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaires (46.77%): 346 (97.46% women), 9 (2.54% men), mainly from cities (207; 58.31%; p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0029). Due to the small size of male respondents\u0026rsquo; group, gender of the teachers was not a variable in the analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSociodemographic parameters\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e207 (58.31%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e148 (41.69%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0029*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e355\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge (years)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26 (12.56%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 (16.89%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4532\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (14.37%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e73 (35.27%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 (38.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3929\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e130 (36.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (25.12%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (26.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91 (25.63%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53 (25.60%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24 (16.22%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0155*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77 (21.69%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4022\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (1.69%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeniority (years)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35 (16.91%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28 (18.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2112\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63 (17.75%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (17.39%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (20.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67 (18.87%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u0026ndash;20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61 (29.47%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45 (30.41%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4450\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e106 (29.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75 (36.23%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44 (29.73%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0019*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e119 (33.52%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Most of the respondents characterized their knowledge on oral health and caries prevention as satisfying. Statistically significant differences between teachers from urban and rural areas were observed in case of fully sufficient and adequate knowledge (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0033 and p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0188) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-assessment of the teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge on oral health and caries prevention in children\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-assessment of the teachers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFully sufficient (very good)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (25.12%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (20.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0033*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83 (23.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdequate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e132 (63.77%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98 (66.22%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0188*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e230 (64.79%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited (poor)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (10.63%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17 (11.49%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3992\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (10.99%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInsufficient (very poor)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4929\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (0.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEven though every third teacher participated in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, every third respondent assessed the level of his own preparation for providing dental education to children as insufficient (average / poor) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnswers to questions about conducting teaching classes on dental issues for children\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you participated in training on oral health and caries prevention in children?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66 (31.88%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43 (29.05%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2717\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109 (30.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141 (68.12%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105 (70.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1576\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e246 (69.30%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you think that teachers should conduct classes on children's dental issues?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e171 (82.61%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e114 (77.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0358*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e285 (80.28%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (17.39%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34 (22.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0291*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70 (19.72%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you conducted teaching classes for children regarding children's dental issues?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e160 (77.29%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123 (83.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0017*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e283 (79.72%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (22.71%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 (16.89%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0040*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72 (20.28%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow do you assess your level of preparation for educating children about oral health?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery good\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (15.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (14.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4468\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54 (15.21%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102 (49.28%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79 (53.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3408\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e181 (50.99%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66 (31.88%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46 (31.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4859\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e112 (31.55%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(3.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(0.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4804\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(2.25%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMajority of respondents (80.28%) declared that teachers should conduct classes on dental issues for children. Most often, teachers conducted classes on nutrition that promotes dental health, the role of sugar in the etiology of caries, tooth cleaning and visits to the dentist's office (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTeachers were asked to answer questions regarding their knowledge about children's visits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Half of the respondents were aware of the correct frequency of dental check-up in children, while every third teacher knew the recommended age for the first dental visit. Most respondents correctly indicated the time when to start brushing, but only every eighth knew that fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as the first tooth erupts. This answer was indicated significantly more often by urban residents (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0185). The majority of respondents believed that preschool-age children should brush their own teeth (84.23%).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe answers to the questions regarding teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge about children's visits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children (correct answers in bold).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestion\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow often should a child have a dental check-up?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 3 months\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55 (26.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (26.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8813\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e94 (26.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEvery 6 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e118 (57.00%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87 (58.78%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4393\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e205 (57.75%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery year\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (14.98%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (12.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2590\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (14.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn case of caries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5262\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (1.69%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt what age should a child have first visit to the dentist?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6\u0026ndash;12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67 (32.37%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46 (31.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2248\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e113 (31.83%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 2 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91 (43.96%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 (40.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1167\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e151 (42.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 3 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (10.63%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (12.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2103\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (11.55%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3 years of age\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (13.04%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23 (15.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1808\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (14.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt what child\u0026rsquo;s age should be tooth brushing introduced?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEruption of first tooth\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159 (76.81%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e112 (75.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6263\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e271 (76.34%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 2 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (14.98%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (18.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0718\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (16.34%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 3 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.93%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (3.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1648\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 (2.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3 years of age\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (6.28%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (2.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1206\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17 (4.79%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt what age should be fluoride containing toothpaste introduced?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEruption of first tooth\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34 (16.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (8.78%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0185*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (13.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 2 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33 (15.94%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (12.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0677\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (14.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the age of 3 years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (14.98%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (18.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0123*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (16.34%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3 years of age\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109 (52.66%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e89 (60.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0065*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e198 (55.77%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShould a preschool-age child brush his or her own teeth?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e173 (83.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126 (85.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1756\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e299 (84.23%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (13.04%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (13.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5069\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (13.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (3.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2494\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 (2.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8440\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.13%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most frequently indicated methods of helping a child by an adult are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e. There was a statistically significant difference between urban and rural teachers in the frequency of indicating ways of helping: cleaning the child's teeth by an adult, cleaning the child's teeth and the caregiver at the same time, the caregiver controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning and using verbal commands.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWays of helping a child to clean their teeth by an adult in teachers\u0026rsquo; opinion\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSupporting child\u0026rsquo;s toothbrush while the child performs cleaning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87 (42.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69 (46.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1423\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e156\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrushing the child's teeth by an adult\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30 (14.49%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14 (9.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0467*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrushing the child's teeth by himself / herself and the caregiver teeth at the same time\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (61.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e103 (69.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0389*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e230\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe caregiver controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e152 (73.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102 (68.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0217*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e254\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVerbal commands\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (61.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98 (66.22%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0272*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e225\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaying attention to duration of tooth brushing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172 (83.09%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125 (84.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3151\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e297\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eApplying toothpaste to toothbrush by caregiver\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85 (41.06%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65 (43.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3294\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTeachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge of the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-olds was assessed based on true-false questions included in the questionnaire. Correct answers to all questions were provided by 3.1% of respondents (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Only every third respondent knew that varnish with a high fluoride content could be used in children of this age - the difference between teachers from urban and rural areas was statistically significant (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0154).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true/false statements related to the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children in the opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat can be used in children aged 5 years?:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFluoride mouthrinses\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80 (38.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59 (39.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5361\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e139 (39.15%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (61.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e89 (60.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7221\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e216 (60.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSonic toothbrush\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrue\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e130 (62.80%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99 (66.89%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0092*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e229 (64.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77 (37.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49 (33.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0031*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126 (35.49%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eElectric toothbrush\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrue\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e157 (75.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e117 (79.05%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0319*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e274 (77.18%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (24.15%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (20.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0283*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81 (22.82%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDental floss\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrue\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115 (55.56%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86 (58.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0446*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201 (56.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92 (44.44%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62 (41.89%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0775\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e154 (43.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFluoride varnish (with high fluoride content)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrue\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (28.02%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48 (32.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0154*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e106 (29.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e149 (71.98%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 (67.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0135*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e249 (70.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFluoride gel (with high fluoride content)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 (27.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40 (27.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6955\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e97 (27.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e150 (72.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e108 (72.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6502\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e258 (72.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e7 (3.38%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4 (2.70%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5137\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11 (3.10%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTeachers were also asked to express their opinion on the statements regarding the etiology of dental caries (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). Most respondents knew that tooth decay is not caused by pregnancy nor inherited, and they indicated the presence of bacteria and sugars as its causative factors. Nearly half were sure that dental caries is caused by general diseases (46.2%). Every fourth respondent associated caries with parasitic diseases. The percentage of teachers who provided correct answers to all questions regarding the etiology of dental caries was significantly higher in rural areas (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0102).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true/false statements related to caries etiology in the opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDental caries is caused by pregnancy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33 (15.94%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28 (18.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0216*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61 (17.18%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e174 (84.06%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e120 (81.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0227*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e294 (82.82%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDental caries is inherited\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38 (18.36%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (19.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4953\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67 (18.87%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e169 (81.64%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e119 (80.41%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5921\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e288 (81.13%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDental caries is caused by general diseases\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e101 (48.79%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63 (42.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0043*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e164 (46.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e106 (51.21%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85 (57.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0522\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e191 (53.80%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDental caries is caused by parasitic diseases\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55 (26.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38 (25.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2543\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93 (26.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e152 (73.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e110 (74.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7505\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e262 (73.80%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTooth caries is caused by bacteria and sugars\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrue\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e204 (98.55%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146 (98.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e350 (98.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2816\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (1.41%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e69 (33.33%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e58 (39.19%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0102*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e127 (35.77%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost all respondents knew the benefits of regular visits to the dentist, tooth brushing and limiting sugar consumption (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). Nearly half of them did not understand the importance of fluoride prevention and every fourth believed that caries is prevented by rinsing the mouth with herbal mouthwashes, and every third with water (significantly more often teachers from cities). The use of fluoride and xylitol compounds in the prevention of caries was significantly more often indicated by teachers from rural areas, while a lower frequency of snacks was significantly more often indicated by respondents from cities. Unfortunately, not everyone understood the importance of cleaning approximal surfaces of teeth with dental floss. Three teachers believed that tooth decay could not be prevented.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMethods of caries prevention in opinion of respondents (correct answers in bold).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaries cannot be prevented\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4351\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (0.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinsing with water\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79 (38.16%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48 (32.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0371*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (35.77%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing toothpicks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (15.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18 (12.16%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1253\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (14.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing dental floss\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142 (68.60%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102 (68.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3815\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e244 (68.73%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTooth brushing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e204 (98.55%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e145 (97.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3638\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e349 (98.31%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegular dental check-ups\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e200 (96.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141 (95.27%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3354\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e341 (96.06%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoiding sugar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e198 (95.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e145 (97.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1463\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e343 (96.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eXylitol usage\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (24.15%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44 (29.73%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0296*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e94 (26.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing special medications\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (2.42%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (3.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4526\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 (2.82%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing fluoride compounds\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91 (43.96%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e73 (49.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0275*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e164 (46.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing herbal mouthwashes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (22.71%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35 (23.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1713\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82 (23.10%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimiting snacks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141 (68.12%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96 (64.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0228*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e237 (66.76%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8 (3.86%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e13 (8.78%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0419*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e21 (5.92%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost all respondents knew that sugar and sweetened products, such as sweets, are harmful to teeth (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). Only 67.32% knew that salted starch products are also cariogenic, and 60.85% knew the negative impact of fruit juices. Unfortunately, every tenth teacher did not know the protective role of milk and natural yogurt for teeth, and only 37.75% knew that yogurt and fruit cream cheese are harmful to teeth. Mineral water (1.97%), vegetables (2.54%), and sugar-free tea (6.48%), as well as sugar-free chewing gum (16.34%) and xylitol (21.13%) were wrongly indicated as contributing to tooth decay. Xylitol was significantly more often considered cariogenic by teachers from urban areas. All cariogenic products were correctly identified by 14.93% of respondents.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' answers regarding food products/drinks that cause tooth decay (cariogenic products in bold)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003en/(%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFresh fruit\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (24.64%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (18.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0056*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78 (21.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVegetables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (2.90%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.03%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5062\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 (2.54%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSponge cakes, cookies, cakes, donuts, cakes, sweet rolls, biscuits\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e198 (95.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e138 (93.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2494\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e336 (94.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCandies, bars\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e204 (98.55%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146 (98.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7454\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e350 (98.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eJam / honey\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e143 (69.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 (67.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3902\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e243 (68.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChewing gum with sugar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e186 (89.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e133 (89.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6039\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e319 (89.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSugar-free chewing gum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (15.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26 (17.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3596\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (16.34%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFruit juices\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123 (59.42%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93 (62.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1491\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e216 (60.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eXylitol\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55 (26.57%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (13.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0084*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75 (21.13%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSweetened carbonated drinks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e193 (93.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142 (95.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4357\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e335 (94.37%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTea with sugar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e167 (80.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115 (77.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1754\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e282 (79.44%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTea without sugar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 (5.80%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (7.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0768\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23 (6.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMilk or cocoa with sugar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e156 (75.36%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105 (70.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0493*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e261 (73.52%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalted chips, sticks or crackers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e137 (66.18%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102 (68.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1837\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e239 (67.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMineral water\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (2.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2787\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (1.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnsweetened milk\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23 (11.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 (10.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7852\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38 (10.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNatural yogurts\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (9.18%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 (6.76%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2174\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (8.17%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYogurts or cream cheeses with fruit\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77 (37.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 (38.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7781\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e134 (37.75%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaisins\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83 (40.10%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61 (41.22%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7203\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e144 (40.56%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMuesli\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69 (33.33%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45 (30.41%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1286\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e114 (32.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79 (38.16%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70 (47.30%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0092*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e149 (41.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHard cheeses\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (14.98%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (19.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0141*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 (16.90%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e30 (14.49%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e23 (15.54%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.3441\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e53 (14.93%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost, but not all, respondents understood that children's teeth should be regularly checked by a dentist and knew the importance of proper hygiene and dietary behavior (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). However the lack of knowledge of every third teacher about the need to clean a child's teeth by an adult is disturbing. Slightly more than half of respondents (55.21%) knew about the benefits of fluoride prophylaxis. Not everyone was aware of the importance of the health of primary teeth in terms of the health of permanent teeth. Correct answers to all questions testing knowledge about how to care for children's oral health were given by 29.3% of teachers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab10\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 10\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnswers to questions checking respondents' general knowledge of how to care for children's oral health (correct answers in bold).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003en/%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren should have regular check-ups at the dentist.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e203 (98.07%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146 (98.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4913\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e349 (98.31%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.48%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6862\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.56%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.45%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4437\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.13%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequent snacking between main meals promotes tooth decay.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e171 (82.61%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e121 (81.76%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3771\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e292 (82.25%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (6.28%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (8.78%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1682\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26 (7.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23 (11.11%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14 (9.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1275\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37 (10.42%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExcessive sugar consumption causes tooth decay.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e199 (96.14%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142 (95.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3993\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e341 (96.06%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6482\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.13%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (2.90%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (2.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4872\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 (2.82%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren should use fluoride compounds that protect against caries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (61.35%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69 (46.62%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0056*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e196 (55.21%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65 (31.40%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68 (45.95%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0145*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e133 (37.46%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 (7.25%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (7.43%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4336\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26 (7.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren under 10 years of age need an adult's help to clean their teeth.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e139 (67.15%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95 (64.19%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1688\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e234 (65.92%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (14.01%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18 (12.16%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1373\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (13.24%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (18.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35 (23.65%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0136*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74 (20.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary teeth do not require as much care as permanent teeth because they will fall out soon.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (5.31%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (3.38%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1991\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16 (4.51%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e192 (92.75%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e136 (91.89%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2541\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e328 (92.39%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.93%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (4.73%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0309*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (3.10%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDecay of primary teeth \"transfers\" to permanent teeth.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e162 (78.26%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e108 (72.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0111*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e270 (76.06%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16 (7.73%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21 (14.19%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0191*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37 (10.42%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (14.01%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (12.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1747\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48 (13.52%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParents should limit giving children sweets and sweetened drinks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e203 (98.07%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e147 (99.32%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6976\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e350 (98.59%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0 (0.00%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8771\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.56%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI don\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.97%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.68%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8547\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (0.85%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll answers correctly indicated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e64 (30.92%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e40 (27.03%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.0899\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e104 (29.30%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe analysis of rank correlation coefficients showed statistically significant relationships between sociodemographic factors, such as age, seniority, place of residence, and teachers' knowledge (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Knowledge about the etiology of caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children's oral health was positively correlated with high self-assessment of their own knowledge by teachers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab11\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 11\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpearman's rank correlation coefficients indicating factors influencing teachers' knowledge of caring for children's oral health.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrect answers to all questions regarding:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003echildren's visits to the dentist and cleaning of children's teeth\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003euse of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eetiology of caries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ethe use of fluoride compounds in the prevention of caries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emethods of caries prevention\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efoods/drinks that promote tooth decay\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003egeneral knowledge about caring for children's oral health\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrect answers to all questions regarding general knowledge about caring for children's oral health\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0191\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0317\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0128\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0268\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0302\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0172\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0288\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0292\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0291\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0404\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0173\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0172\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0052\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0547\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1029*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1181*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1455*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1358*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1052*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace of residence (urban area)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0193\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0602\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0093\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1028*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0145\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeniority\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0005\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0519\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1097*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0300\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0913\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1814*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1005*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0711\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0133\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1147*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0401\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0116\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0047\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0711\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-assessment of knowledge (fully sufficient/adequate)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0062\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0152\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0732\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0023\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0919\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0311\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1262*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e* statistically significant\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe majority of survey participants was in the age of 31–40 years, and they consisted of teachers with at least 10 years of seniority. In comparison in 2018 the participants were younger and as a result they also had less years of occupational activity (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). A similar age structure and work experience presented in literature (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e), can be explained by electronic distribution of the questionnaire and the convenience of completing the survey.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eSelf-assessment of knowledge and providing classes on oral health care\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTeachers’ unsatisfactory knowledge of the etiology and prevention of caries may be due to the low percentage of respondents participating in oral health courses, which indicates the need for educating teachers so that, being aware of the role of oral health and methods for its maintenance, they can pass on this knowledge to students. The majority of teachers (80.28%) agreed with the statement that they should teach about the causes of caries and the principles of nutrition, e.g. about the dangers of sugar. In comparison, the same need was indicated by 43–60% of teachers in India (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e) and 97.1% in Pakistan (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). In Poland in 2008 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e), 58% of respondents conducted teaching classes for children on dental issues, while in 2018 less than half (45.5%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). A similar percentage of teachers involved in educational programmes was reported by Reddy et al. and Patil et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). In the study of Sana et al. 22.2% of teachers indicated lack of knowledge on oral health topics as a barrier in delivering oral health education to students (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). In the presented study 79.72% of respondents have conducted teaching classes on children’s dental issues, however only 15,21% felt prepared to do so. In the study of Patil et al. about 57.4% of the teachers expressed their willingness to introduce classes on caries prevention to the curriculum (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). However, only 14.3% of respondents participated in training courses on this subject (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), which is less than 30.7% noted in our study. We observed a correlation between self-assessed knowledge as fully sufficient or adequate and all correct answers to questions regarding general knowledge about caring for children's oral health (R = 0.1262).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eCaries aetiology\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is noteworthy that nearly all respondents (99.15%) were convinced that caries is preventable. A similar opinion was reported for 95.3% of Indian teachers (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), whereas in 2018 100% of Polish respondents presented this conviction (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMajority of the teachers in the survey identified bacteria as aetiological factor of dental caries, similarly to other researches (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e). In the study by Bhatti and Malik, 92% of the 150 teachers surveyed, pointed to dental plaque (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). However Reddy et al., stated that only 10% of the surveyed teachers knew the role of bacteria in the aetiology of caries, with sugar intake and incorrect/irregular tooth brushing reported by 45% and 15% of respondents, respectively (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). Teachers from Saudi Arabia pointed to bacteria (80%), sugar intake (80%) and irregular brushing (91.5%) as the cause of caries (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf the 554 participants in the study by Patil et al., only 57% pointed to bacteria as an aetiological factor of caries, 60% believed that the amount of sweets consumed was responsible, and 35% did not know the role of the frequency of consuming sweets. Irregular brushing and calcium deficiency were indicated by 56 and 61% of respondents, respectively (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). The level of knowledge of Polish teachers about the importance of bacteria and sugar in the aetiology of caries has increased, but so has the percentage of teachers incorrectly pointing to systemic and parasitic diseases, as well as natural aging processes, as the cause of caries (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe low level of knowledge about aetiological factors translated into a small percentage of Indian teachers (34%) with knowledge about methods for caries prevention (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaries prevention\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eVisits to the dentist, tooth cleaning and the use of fluoride compounds in children\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver the decade, the level of knowledge about caries prevention among Polish teachers has decreased significantly. A significant proportion of respondents still believe that herbal mouthwashes prevent caries, while the percentage of teachers who consider fluoride prophylaxis effective is currently the lowest among those compared.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe majority (98.31%) of Polish respondents understood that children should have their dentition regularly checked by a dentist, with similar results obtained in 2018 − 98.2% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e) and by Baltacı et al. (83.3% out of 226 Turkish teachers) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e) and Aljanakh et al. (88%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e), lower percentage of respondents reported Patil et al. (51.6%) and Reddy et al. (58%) and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). Every second respondent knew the correct frequency of dental check-up and every third the age of the first visit. 76.34% of respondents correctly recognised the time of first tooth eruption as the right time for introduction of tooth brushing, but only 13.24% knew that fluoride containing toothpaste should be used. The same percentage indicated that preschool children should not brush their teeth themselves. Most commonly mentioned ways of helping children while brushing included brushing the child's teeth by himself / herself and the caregiver's teeth at the same time, controlling the effect of the child's teeth cleaning by the caregiver, giving verbal commands and paying attention to the duration of tooth brushing Among teachers 13.24% wrongly pointed out the lack of need for help in cleaning teeth for children under 10 years of age and 20.85% declared lack of knowledge in this subject. Only 3.1% of teachers correctly answered questions related to the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-old children. Only 55.21% of respondents considered fluoride compounds as protective anticaries measure, and 46.2% indicated fluoride usage as a method of caries prophylaxis. Also xylitol usage still is not recognized as preventive anticaries measure (26.48%). A similar problem was identified by Indian researchers, who reported that teachers are convinced of the need to use toothpaste (96%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e) and regular brushing (63%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e), but only 20–57% of them knew about the prophylactic properties of fluoride compounds present in toothpaste (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e), and 55% had no knowledge about the use of dental floss for cleaning the interdental surfaces (v. 68.73% in our study) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). The percentage of Polish teachers who indicated dental floss as an effective way to prevent caries decreased from 85.5% (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e) to 68.73% which is similar to Turkish teachers (70%) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e). The lack of knowledge on fluoride prophylactic action in case of caries is well documented among teachers. Tangade et al. showed that 15.3% of teachers considered fluoride to be a teeth whitening agent, 6.7% considered fluoride to be harmful to teeth, and 23.3% did not know for what purpose it was added to toothpastes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e). Only 54.6% of respondents correctly identified fluoride as a factor protecting against caries. In a study by Baltaci et al., 39% of respondents indicated the use of fluoride compounds in oral hygiene products as a preventive factor (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eDiet\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequent snacking between main meals and excessive sugar consumption causes tooth decay was correctly recognised as promoting tooth decay by 82.25% and 96.06% of teachers. Also recommendation of limiting sweets and sweetened drinks by parents was pointed out by 98.59% of respondents. Only 14.93% correctly recognised cariogenic food products. Less than half of the teachers considered yogurts or cream cheeses with fruit, raisins, muesli and fries as causing caries. In the study of Sana poor dietary habits, particularly high sugar intake (67.5%) was perceived by teachers as the primary cause of poor oral health among school children (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFactors influencing teachers' knowledge of caring for children's oral health\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpearman's rank correlation coefficients revealed that age of the participants correlates with correct answers to questions regarding knowledge on etiology of caries, usage of fluoride compounds as a preventive measure, methods of caries prevention, food/drinks promoting caries and general knowledge about caring for childrens’ oral health. Participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children was correlated with knowledge on etiology of caries.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions / Summary","content":"\u003cp\u003ePreschool and primary education teachers in Poland are aware of the role they can play in shaping children's health attitudes and express the opinion that the scope of their teaching should include content related to oral health.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe insufficient level of knowledge about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay, especially about the safety, effectiveness and methods of using fluoride prophylaxis, indicates the need to undertake educational activities among teachers and provide them with educational materials constituting the basis for teaching children.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eECC\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eearly childhood caries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB185/2018)\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInformed consent to participate was obtained from all of the participants in the study\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConsent for publication\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNot applicable\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompeting interests\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFunding\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe study was founded by Ministry of Health in Poland as a part of programme \u0026ldquo;Monitoring the oral health of the Polish population in 2016-2020\u0026rdquo; (contract no. 11/1/2019/1210/836, paragraph 3 section 23).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAK: data collection, analysis, preparation of the manuscript\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDG: statistical analysis\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDOK: concept and design, data analysis, supervision of the manuscript\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAcknowledgements\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNot applicable\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; information (optional)\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAK, DOK - specialist in pedodontics\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003c/ul\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eClinical trial number: not applicable.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD. Olczak-Kowalczyk, A. Mielczarek (ed.). Monitoring zdrowia jamy ustnej : monitorowanie stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej populacji polskiej w latach 2016-2020 : ocena stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowań w populacji polskiej w wieku 3, 18 oraz 35-44 lata w 2017 roku. Warsaw: Dział Redakcji i Wydawnictw Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego;2018.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD. Olczak-Kowalczyk (ed.). Monitoring zdrowia jamy ustnej : monitorowanie stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej populacji polskiej w latach 2016-2020 : ocena stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowań w populacji polskiej w wieku 5, 7 i 12 lat w 2016 roku. Warsaw: Dział Redakcji i Wydawnictw Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego; 2017. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaszczuk J, Konowaluk-Nikitin H, Pawłowicz-Sosnowska E. Kształtowanie nawyków prozdrowotnych u dzieci w młodszym wieku szkolnym w kontekście edukacji sustensywnej. Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae 2021;19(2):55-61.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSgan-Cohen HD, Saadi S, Weissman A. Dental knowledge and attitudes among Arab schoolteachers in northern Israel. Int Dent J. 1999;49:269-274. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraft M, Croucher R, Dickinson J et al. Natural Nashers: a programme of dental health education for adolescents in schools. Int Dent J.1984;34:204-213. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChałdaś-Majdańska J, Terzic-Markovic D, Dimoski Z, Dobrowolska B. Analiza ocze- kiwań rodziców dzieci w wieku wczesnoszkolnym wobec szkolnej edukacji zdrowot- nej i działań promujących zdrowie w środowisku nauczania i wychowania a zacho- wania zdrowotne w rodzinie ucznia. Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2020;26(2):155-163. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlasrud PH, Frazier PJ. Future elementary school teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge and opinions about oral health and community programs. J Public Health Dent. 1988;48:74-80.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoupe MJ, Frazier PJ. Knowledge and attitudes of schoolteachers toward oral health programs and preventive dentistry. J Am Dent Assoc. 1983;107:229-234. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStephen S. Teachers as dental health educators. Odontostomatol Trop. 1984;7:205- 208.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWierzbicka M, Szatko F, Strużycka I et al. Monitoring Zdrowia Jamy ustnej. Stan zdrowia jamy ustnej i jego uwarunkowania oraz potrzeby profilaktyczno-lecznicze dzieci w wieku 6 i 12 lat oraz młodzieży w wieku 18 lat. Warsaw 2012.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKobylińska Angelika, Gozdowski Dariusz, Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota. Wiedza nauczycieli w zakresie etiologii próchnicy i jej zapobiega- nia \u0026ndash; pilotażowe badanie ankietowe. Teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge on caries aetiology and prevention \u0026ndash; a pilot survey. Nowa Stomatol. 2022;27(3):115-123. DOI: 10.25121/NS.2022.27.3.115\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatil D, Khakhar P, Katge F et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of school teachers regarding dental caries for school children in Navi Mumbai, India. Indian J Dent Sci. 2022;14:11-17.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReddy KV, Venketsubramaniyan R, Togaru H et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of school teachers toward dental caries and prevention in Tirupati City, Andhra Pradesh. Int J Pedod Rehabil. 2019;4:22-25.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSana R, Niaz A, Hameed A, Nisar P, Khattak SUR. The role of teachers in providing oral health education to school children. Journal of Khyber College of Dentistry. 2024;14(4). http://doi. org/10.33279/jkcd.v14i04.828\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAljanakh M, Siddiqui AA, Mirza AJ. Teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge about oral health and their interest in oral health education in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(1):87-93.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhatti MUD, Malik H. Frequency of dental caries among secondary school children of northwest Pakistan and their teachers\u0026rsquo; oral health knowledge, attitude and practices. Pakistan Oral \u0026amp; Dental Journal 2019;39(2):179.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaltacı E, Baygın Ö, Tüzüner T, Korkmaz FM. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pre-school teachers on oral and dental health in the city center of Trabzon. Eur Oral Res. 2019;53(1):12-20.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTangade PS, Jain M, Mathur A, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease Prevention among Primary School Teachers in Belgaum City, India. Brazilian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry and Integrated Clinic 2011;11(1):77-81.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-oral-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ohea","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Oral Health](http://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ohea/default.aspx","title":"BMC Oral Health","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"oral health education, caries prevention, teachers’ knowledge on oral health, primary school education, public health","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite its proven preventability, dental caries is still common in young children attending preschools and primary schools ranging from 41.1% of children aged 3 years to 76.8% of children aged 5 years. As young students are exposed to behavioral patterns and knowledge of their educators during several hours a day it is crucial that teachers should be involved in shaping oral health behaviors as they are recognized as children\u0026rsquo;s main authority. The state of teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge on oral health and causative factors of dental caries may influence teachers\u0026rsquo; attitude to provide oral health education to students.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary education teachers from schools were invited to take part in this online survey in 2019. An anonymous electronic questionnaire for teachers of 6-year-olds contained closed questions assessing their knowledge about the etiology of caries in children, the benefits of dental care and caries prophylaxis. Statistical analysis of data included comparisons of the study groups for quantitative variables (parametric tests), categorical variables (chi-square test), assessment of the relationships between selected factors (Spearman's correlation analysis); statistical significance level p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e355 of 759 invited teachers accepted the invitation and completed the questionnaires. 88.17% assessed their knowledge on oral health and caries prevention as adequate or fully satisfying. 80.28% agreed that they should provide oral health care education and 79.72% conducted educational classes on oral health issues, however 33.8% declared they felt unprepared to do so and only 30.7% attended educational programmes covering oral health education. Teachers lacked the knowledge on using fluoride toothpastes from the first tooth present in the oral cavity, time of first visit, frequency of dental check-ups and caregiver responsibility for toothbrushing of preschool children\u0026rsquo;s teeth. Correct answers to all questions assessing teachers\u0026rsquo; knowledge of the use of oral hygiene products and fluoride prophylaxis in 5-year-olds were provided by 3.1% of respondents. 35.77% correctly answered questions regarding etiology of dental caries, 46.2% knew the role of fluoride in caries prevention. All cariogenic products were correctly identified by 14.93% of respondents and 29.3% correctly answered all questions testing knowledge about how to care for children's oral health. Knowledge about the etiology of caries was positively correlated with participation in training on oral health and caries prevention in children, and the state of general knowledge about caring for children's oral health was positively correlated with high self-assessment of their own knowledge by teachers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow teachers' level of knowledge in the field of oral health and caries prevention did not correspond to their self-assessment. Since teachers indicated the lack of preparation for conducting educational activities in the field of oral health and caries prevention as a factor limiting the introduction of education on this topic in classes, it is necessary to include this issue in their educational process. As a help for teachers, professionals in the field of oral health and education may create educational programs and ready-made training materials for use during lessons.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The state of knowledge of Polish teachers about oral health and methods of preventing tooth decay in children – a sociomedical survey","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-22 10:23:33","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7177274/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-09-01T12:30:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-27T14:57:43+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"18407944365642296965566146842252463355","date":"2025-08-25T15:18:53+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-22T08:54:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"39319086784382154066601522782888731471","date":"2025-08-20T16:45:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-14T12:24:38+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-08-06T19:57:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-31T06:52:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-07-30T11:05:04+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Oral Health","date":"2025-07-30T11:01:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-oral-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ohea","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Oral Health](http://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ohea/default.aspx","title":"BMC Oral Health","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"69dbf15d-aa96-4bd7-896f-1a091f76fd97","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-09T16:05:51+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7177274","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-07854-1","journal":{"identity":"bmc-oral-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"BMC Oral Health"},"publishedOn":"2026-02-05 15:58:29","publishedOnDateReadable":"February 5th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-22 10:23:33","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12903-026-07854-1","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-026-07854-1","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7177274","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7177274","identity":"rs-7177274","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}

Text is read by the "Ask this paper" AI Q&A widget below. Extraction quality varies by source — PMC NXML preserves structure cleanly, OA-HTML may include some navigation residue, and OA-PDF can have broken hyphenation. The publisher copy (via DOI) is the canonical version.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

⚙ Ask this paper AI returns verbatim quotes from the full text · source: preprint-html ⓘ

Answers must be backed by verbatim quotes from this paper's full text. Hallucinated quotes are dropped automatically; if no verbatim passage answers the question, we say so. How this works

Citation neighborhood (no data yet)

We don't have any in-corpus citations linked to this paper yet. This is a recent paper (2025) — citers typically take a year or two to land, and the OpenAlex reference graph may still be filling in.

Source provenance

europepmc: last seen: 2026-05-20T01:45:00.602351+00:00
unpaywall: last seen: 2026-05-28T02:00:01.590549+00:00

License: CC-BY-4.0