Assessment of Professional Oral Hygiene Care Needs Among Adolescents in Southeastern Serbia: A Clinical and Questionnaire-Based Study

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is an important period for the development and consolidation of oral hygiene habits that may continue to influence oral health-related behaviors into adulthood. Inadequate oral hygiene may contribute to impaired gingival health and increased need for professional oral hygiene care. The aim of this study was to assess the need for professional oral hygiene care among adolescents in southeastern Serbia by evaluating their oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene status, and gingival health.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included adolescents aged 14-18 years from southeastern Serbia. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing oral hygiene practices, combined with a clinical examination of oral hygiene status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and gingival health using the Gingival Index (GI). The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis.