INDIVIDUAL ORAL HYGIENE HABITS OF SNACKERS

Abstract

Oral health is an integral part of overall health, encompassing not only the absence of disease but also the ability to eat, speak, and interact comfortably. Frequent snacking, especially on sugary or starchy foods, increases the risk of oral diseases. The aim - to identify individual oral hygiene habits among frequent snackers and their relationship with self-assessed oral health. Methods:  A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted at the public institution X Primary Health Care Centre (Lithuania) from March 21st to April 23rd, 2025. The study involved 100 adults (83% women, 17% men; aged 18–86). Data collected via Manoapklausa.lt was processed and analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. Results. Seventy-five % of respondents snacked 2–3 times daily; 78% brushed at least twice a day, 75% rinsed with water, and 68% flossed after snacking. Advanced measures such as oral irrigators or xylitol lozenges were rarely used (13–14%). Snacking was mainly influenced by eating with others (45%), availability (37%), and habit (34%). Participants with higher self-assessed oral health demonstrated more varied and consistent hygiene routines. Conclusions. Social context strongly influences snacking behaviour. Promoting simple, convenient post-snack hygiene routines could help bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, improving oral health among frequent snackers.