Oral health assessment and associated lifestyle behaviors among adults in Mathura city: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Oral health is recognized as an important aspect of an individual’s general health and quality of life. Impairment of oral health diminishes the quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the oral health (the number of natural teeth, pain or discomfort on teeth, having dentures), oral health behaviors (e.g., using toothbrush, dental flossing, and toothpaste containing fluoride) and lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sugar consumed, tobacco, alcohol) of people living in Mathura city, Uttar Pradesh.Methods: This study was cross-sectional study conducted at K. D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura. Pre-validated WHO oral health questionnaire was used to assess oral health, lifestyle and oral health behaviors of the study participants. Face to face interview sessions were conducted with consenting individual participants to ensure transparency and consistency, to reduce interviewer and misclassification bias. Results: Total 550 participants were participated, in which 272 (100%) participants of 18-35 years of age group had 20 teeth or more. Majority of the participants had reported average status of teeth and gums. More than half of the participants were unaware of fluoride containing tooth paste i.e.; 122 (89.1%) participants of 36-50 years age group and 107 (75.9%) participants of 51-65 years age group.Conclusions: Although majority of the Mathura adults considered their oral health status good, only a small population considered their oral health status poor. Use of oral hygiene aids such as toothpick, dental floss etc., was limited in participants.