Abstract

Background: The most common dental conditions affecting members of the Indian community include periodontal disorders; dental caries; malocclusions; and oral cancer.

Objective: The goal of the study was to determine how well-aware patients in the general Outpatient Department were of oral hygiene practises; as well as how these practises related to sociodemographic factors (OPD).

Materials and Methods: Between April 1 and April 30; 2013; 224 patients who were seen in the general OPD of the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata; India; participated in a cross-sectional study. A pre-made; pre-tested semi-structured timetable served as the study aid.

Results: About 69.20 percent of the individuals brushed their teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste; 35.71 percent did so twice daily; 33.03 percent did so both before bed and after; and 8.93 percent used mouthwash. In the past six months; 40.62 percent of people visited the dentist; of them; 61.18 percent did so due to pain. Nearly three-fourths of the participants were aware that not brushing your teeth might lead to tooth decay and bad breath. The knowledge that excessive sweet; cold drink; alcohol; and smoking/pan chewing were detrimental for dental health was held by 71.42; 63.39; 70.53; and 73.21 percent of the respondents; respectively. 35.71 percent of individuals said they learned things from a dentist; while 57.14 percent got their information from television. Females; literate people; people who lived in cities; people who used mouthwash; people who visited the dentist frequently all had good dental hygiene habits.

Conclusion: The research population’s oral health knowledge and habits need to be improved.

Keywords: Periodontal disorders; Oral hygiene habits; Sociodemographic characteristics