Assessing health-promoting behaviors is essential for understanding the determinants that influence population well-being. Although health awareness has been gradually improving in Poland, the overall oral health status of adults continues to be unsatisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate participants’ knowledge concerning dental caries prevention, the significance of fluoride use, and oral hygiene practices. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted for this investigation. Data were collected using a custom-designed anonymous questionnaire to maintain participant privacy and encourage honest participation. The survey was conducted over five months through computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) using Google Forms. The survey link was distributed through public online groups and social media to reach a broad and diverse audience. All responses were anonymized and organized for subsequent statistical analysis. A total of 643 individuals participated in the study. Among them, only 95 respondents (14.77%) demonstrated adequate oral hygiene knowledge and reported behaviors consistent with recommended standards. Variables such as education level, income, and place of residence showed no significant correlation with the preferred health-oriented attitude of the “ideal patient.” Notably, many participants lacked awareness of fluoride’s preventive role in dental caries, with some perceiving it as harmful and avoiding fluoride-based toothpaste. Additionally, about 20% of respondents were unaware that their toothpaste contained fluoride, and these results were consistent across both urban and rural populations. The findings highlight a general deficiency in oral health knowledge among adults in Poland. Therefore, it is crucial to implement broader, well-structured educational initiatives focused on improving oral health awareness and preventive behaviors within this population.
