Oral Health in the Japan Self-Defense Forces: A Survey
Author Information
Author(s): Kudo Yuka, John Mike T, Saito Yoko, Sur Shachi, Furuyama Chisako, Tsukasaki Hiroaki, Baba Kazuyoshi
Primary Institution: Department of Prosthodontics, Showa University, Japan
Hypothesis
What is the correlation between physical oral health characteristics and perceived oral health in the Japan self-defense forces?
Conclusion
Personnel of the JSDF demonstrated good oral health compared to Japanese civilian populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 4% of subjects used removable dentures.
- The mean OHIP-J14 score was 4.6 ± 6.7 units.
- Subjects had a mean age of 35.7 years.
- 28% of subjects had at least one missing tooth.
- Mean OHIP-J14 scores differed significantly between subjects with and without dentures.
Takeaway
The soldiers in Japan take good care of their teeth, and not many of them need dentures.
Methodology
The study assessed the number of missing teeth, denture status, and oral health-related quality of life using the OHIP-J14 questionnaire among 911 JSDF personnel.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causality between denture status and perceived oral health.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 35.7 years, predominantly male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
4.1 - 5.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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