Oral Hygiene Awareness and Practice Amongst Patients Visiting the Department of Periodontology at Government Dental College and Hospital, Jamnagar

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases are a major public health concern owing to their high prevalence and their effects on the individual's quality of life. Although many studies have been carried out from time to time to assess the knowledge and behaviour of people about oral health, there is still a lack of awareness and practice regarding the same. Aim: To assess oral hygiene awareness among patients visiting the Department of Periodontology at Government Dental College and Hospital, Jamnagar Materials & Methods:Across-sectional study was carried out among 500 patients visiting the Department of Periodontology at Government Dental College and Hospital, Jamnagar. Subjects were selected using a convenient sampling technique and were asked to ll a self-constructed questionnaire consisting questions regarding awareness and practices related to oral hygiene. Responses from the patients were evaluated in terms of numbers and percentages. Results: The results of the study showed an acute lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices as well as effect of poor oral hygiene on systemic health. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral hygiene and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices