Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Mouthwash among Dental and Medical Students of the University of Nairobi

Objective: The aim of the study was determining knowledge, attitude and use of mouthwash among dental and medical students. Study design: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: The School of Dental Sciences and the School of Medicine of the University of Nairobi. Subject: All undergraduate students admitted in the schools of medicine and dentistry. Study methodology: A stratified random sampling method was used. Results: A majority (95%) of Dental students and 87.5% Medical students knew about mouthwashes. Ninety-two percent Medical and 87% Dental students would advise other students on mouthwash. Only 39% of the students brushed their teeth twice daily while 61% brushed once. From Dental School, tooth brushing at least twice a day was claimed by 27.5% while 72.5% students said they brushed only once per day. Only 16.3% of the Dental students and 12.5% Medical students practiced the use of mouthwashes while 37.5% Medical and 33.8% Dental students never used mouthwash. Conclusion: Dental students had adequate knowledge about mouthwashes. They practiced the use of mouthwash more than the Medical students. Students from both schools were knowledgeable on what mouthwash is. They also wanted to positively influence other students to practice the use of mouthwash.