Einstein International Journal Organization(EIJO)

Abstract

Introduction: Oral hygiene awareness among dental students is important because they are an expert resource for oral health education and promotion. Mechanical and chemical means of plaque control are essential for preservation of gingival and periodontal health. The most common method of maintaining oral health includes the use of a toothbrush and a dentifrice. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control.

Aim & Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the oral hygiene practices (mechanical and chemical plaque control) among dental students from National Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi.

Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 29 questions was shared with 320 undergraduate dental students through Google Forms. The first set of questions was related to demographic analysis which included details like Name, Age, Gender and Year of Study. The second set of questions focused on knowledge and awareness regarding the mechanical method of plaque control, tooth brushing techniques, dentifrices, mode of brushing and use of other cleaning aids for oral hygiene practices. This online survey link was sent through email. All data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, for Windows, version 22.

Results: The response rate was 93.7% as 300 students answered all the questions. Regarding the frequency of toothbrushing, 67.7% participants brushed twice daily,29.7% brushed only once,1.7% brushed after every meal and only 1% brushed thrice daily.77.3% participants used a fluoridated dentifrice which shows that most of them were aware that fluorides reduce chances of tooth decay. Other than toothbrush and dentifrices, 43% students also used mouthwash as a cleaning aid.51% participants used interdental cleaning aids, however 23.3% did not have much knowledge regarding interdental cleaning aids.

Conclusion:  The outcome of the study is that there is an appreciably high level of knowledge about oral self-care procedures among undergraduate dental students. More emphasis should be given especially on using interdental cleaning aids such as dental floss, mouthwash and interdental brushes.

Keywords: oral health; oral hygiene; dental students, mechanical plaque control, toothbrushing, dental floss.

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