ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this research was to collate and analyse the data on
the oral health knowledge and the related habits of a Hungarian cohort of monozygotic
(MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins using the newly developed World Health Organisation
Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults (Annex 7). Method A total of 15 sets of MZ twins
and 14 sets of DZ twins (58 individuals) aged between 18 and 71 years were enrolled
in the study. Each participant had to fill out a web-based questionnaire which comprised
23 questions (Google Forms). The data were collated and the oral health/hygiene habits
of MZ and DZ twins were compared. Results No significant differences were detected
between MZ and DZ twins with regards to their daily tooth-cleaning habits or the tooth-cleaning
products used by the 2 groups. For instance, when asked how often they clean their
teeth, 80% of MZ twins and 71% of DZ twins responded similarly. Further, both groups
provided similar responses when questioned about the use of fluoride toothpaste, frequency
of dental visits, and dental counselling received as well as a number of other parameters
such as snacking of sweets and fear of visiting dentists. Conclusions Our pilot analysis
of the questionnaire responses from MZ and DZ twins in Hungary did not indicate any
significant differences in their oral care habits in general. Further studies with
a large cohort are required to confirm or refute our findings.
