An Understanding Of Oral Health Awareness & Oral Hygiene Practices Among The Patients Ina Tertiary Care Government Hospital

Abstract

Background: To evaluate oral hygiene practices and oral health awareness among the patients reported to Out Patient Department in a tertiary care hospital  and their association with socio-economic status if any as it corelates directly with oral heath status.

Materials & Method: A sum total of four hundred and twenty eight systemically healthy adult  patients free from systemic diseases  who were agreed to participate were selected enquired about their oral hygiene practices. The oral health awareness were assessed based on pre-designed, pretested semi-structured scheduled questionnaires on oral hygiene practices and oral health awareness.

Results & Observations: The data were subjected to statistical analysis and Chi -square test were performed to find the association between the variables. The females were having good oral hygiene practices  compared to males with odds ratio of 3.61  and p value <0.05 and also the oral hygiene awareness was 1.18 times better in females compared to males.

Discussion: Majority of oral health problems can be prevented by simply providing oral hygiene awareness and oral health education which in turn would reduce financial burden to the society at a mass level , and increasing the physical,  mental& social well-being of the patients.