Do dentists have better oral health compared to general population: a study on oral health status and oral health behavior in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

BackgroundDentists are considered role models by the general population in regards to oral hygiene and oral health behavior. This study aimed to access the oral health status of dentists and laypersons, and compare the dentists’ practice of preventive dentistry and oral self-care behaviors to that of the laypersons.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 472 participants (195 dentists and 277 laypersons from the general population). Their oral health/hygiene behavior was assessed using a standardized close-ended multiple choice questionnaire. Oral examination was performed to assess caries using Decayed Missed Filled teeth (DMFT) index and periodontal status using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).ResultsNinety-six percent of dentists brushed their teeth at least once daily, using fluoridated toothpaste and 80.5% twice daily. Although 94% of laypersons brushed their teeth once daily, they seldom used fluoridated toothpaste. Ten percent of participants in each group were caries free. The mean number of teeth present in the oral cavity (27.4 versus 25.4), mean number of teeth with caries (1.8 versus 3.7) and fillings (2.5 versus 0.4) were significantly different (p < 0.0001) between dentists and laypersons, respectively. Regarding the periodontal status, 82% of dentists had CPITN score of 0 whereas 71% of laypersons had the highest score 3 (p = 0.007), and 81% of the laypersons reported tooth mobility compared to 1% of dentists (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe participating dentists had better periodontal status and better self-reported oral health behaviors than the laypersons. Despite similar prevalence of caries in the two groups, the prevalence of decayed and unfilled teeth was lower among the dentists.

Knowledge and behavior of dentists in a dental school regarding toothbrush disinfection

“…The oral health behavior of female dentists has been reported to be generally better than that of male dentists, and most female dentists reportedly brush their teeth at least twice daily. 13,17 Consistent with previous studies, a greater number of female than male dentists brushed their at least teeth twice daily. This finding may be explained on the basis that women usually care more about their body and appearance than men.…”

“…However, the prevalence of dentists who brush their teeth at least twice a day varies in a wide range in different populations (from ~55% to 83%). 13,14,15,16,17 In this study, approximately 87% of dentists brushed their teeth twice a day or more. This relatively high percentage compared to previous reports might be because the study was carried out at a university, and all of the surveyed dentists had at least a postgraduate education.…”

“…13 Dentists are expected to be role models for their patients and to have adequate knowledge about essential oral hygiene practices and behavior. 13 For optimal oral health, tooth brushing should be carried out more than once a day.…”

“…13 Dentists are expected to be role models for their patients and to have adequate knowledge about essential oral hygiene practices and behavior. 13 For optimal oral health, tooth brushing should be carried out more than once a day. Several studies have investigated oral health behavior and attitudes among dentists in different countries, 13,14,15,16,17 reporting that most dentists brush their teeth at least twice a day.…”

“…13 For optimal oral health, tooth brushing should be carried out more than once a day. Several studies have investigated oral health behavior and attitudes among dentists in different countries, 13,14,15,16,17 reporting that most dentists brush their teeth at least twice a day. However, the prevalence of dentists who brush their teeth at least twice a day varies in a wide range in different populations (from ~55% to 83%).…”