[Oral health for everyone--an unattainable goal? Analysis of a questionnaire among 1200 Swiss recruits].

The attitude of 1085 Swiss military recruits towards the dentist and dental care, their knowledge of periodontal disease and its prevention, the incidence of smoking and the frequency of eating sweets as well as interest in their own teeth in general was determined by use of a questionnaire. The results showed a positive attitude on the part of the participants towards their own teeth and a definite motivation for good oral health. The oral hygiene habits of only a minority could be classified as sufficient, the knowledge of periodontal disease and its prevention were limited. Smoking and eating sweets were found to be widespread. It can be stated, therfore, that hygiene instruction for improvement of oral health by the dental profession as well as motivational efforts towards general health education at home and at school were unfortunately unsatisfactory.