Oral Hygiene Awareness and Practice amongst Patients Visiting the Department Of Dentistry at a Hospital & Medical College in Patiala

Abstract

India is the sixth biggest country by area and is the second-most populous country. Factors contributing to the steady rise in prevalence of oral disease include poor oral health awareness and practice among fellow people. Oral health knowledge is considered to be an essential prerequisite for health-related behavior, although only a weak association exists between knowledge and behavior. Keeping a healthy oral profile requires joint efforts from the dentist as well as the patient himself. The study aims to analyze knowledge and awareness of oral hygiene and practice among the general population A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 100 patients, visiting a Hospital, Patiala, through a self administered questionnaire. The responses were collected, tabulated in excel sheet and analysed using SPSS software. 97% of the participants were using brush with hard bristles. 81% changed their toothbrush. 40% of the subjects visited a dentist when they were in pain. This shows very less care about oral hygiene which leads to the future undesirable outcome. This study concludes that there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral hygiene and impart education about oral hygiene practices.