To Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Oral Hygiene Protocols Among Patients Having Orthodontic Treatment

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment is widely acknowledged and accepted in everyday dental practice due to the positive effects it has on the dentofacial complex. Importance of oral hygiene in orthodontic patients is also important to prevent any further oral diseases. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene protocols among patients having orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 90 patients who had permanent dentition from the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and various questions were asked regarding the knowledge, attitude and practice on oral hygiene during the time of orthodontic treatment. All the responses were analysed statistically. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that nearly 40% of the patients were unaware about gingival health, 65% did not follow the oral hygiene instruction. Despite being given instructions, most of them were reluctant in practicing them strictly. CONCLUSION: The knowledge, attitude, practice of oral hygiene among orthodontic patients were poor and showed the need of better education and motivation. Many factors may be responsible for the non-maintenance of gingival health practices. There is a need to incorporate and evaluate more intense oral hygiene programs in the future