Behavioral Changes and Determinants of Preventive Oral-Health Practices Among Chinese Dental Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Guangzhou

Background: Preventive oral-health behaviors are crucial for reducing the incidence of dental caries, but there is still little data on whether Chinese dental patients continue to practice these behaviors. This study investigated self-reported changes in oral-health practices after treatment and explored factors associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out in a hospital in Guangzhou with 246 dental patients. The frequency of brushing both before and after treatment, interdental cleaning, dietary modifications, attendance at follow-up, receiving and understanding preventive advice, and following recommendations were reported. Changes in brushing behavior were analyzed, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with preventive behaviors. Results: The proportion of participants brushing ≥2/day increased after treatment (7.7%, p < 0.05). Daily interdental cleaning remained low (23.2%), while 61.0% reported dietary modification and 53.3% attended follow-up. In multivariable models adjusting for all covariates, most sociodemographic factors were not significantly associated with preventive behaviors. Male participants had lower odds of brushing ≥2/day. Understanding of preventive recommendations was the most consistent predictor, with lower understanding associated with reduced flossing, follow-up, and adherence. Receipt and format of advice were not independently associated with outcomes after adjustment. Periodontal treatment was associated with lower follow-up compared with restorative care. Conclusions: Preventive oral-health behaviors improved modestly after treatment, but overall adherence remained limited. Clear understanding of preventive advice was the strongest determinant of behavior, while sociodemographic factors and advice format showed no independent effects. Lower follow-up attendance among periodontal patients highlights the need for improved patient communication and recall strategies.