Evaluating Perception on Oral Hygiene, Practice and Reason for it and Exploring Gender Differences among Outpatients Visiting a Private Dental College Hospital

Aim To evaluate perception on oral hygiene, practice, and reason for it and exploring gender differences among outpatients visiting a private dental college hospital Objectives i) To evaluate perception on oral hygiene among patients outpatients visiting a private dental college hospital. ii) To evaluate oral hygiene practices and reasons for it among outpatients visiting a private dental college hospital iii) To explore the gender differences among outpatients visiting a private dental college hospital Materials and Methods A survey is to be carried out among 150 patients attending the general outpatient department of a private dental college hospital. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire is used to gather information about practices and awareness about oral hygiene. Background and Reason Oral hygiene is implied in the health of all parts of the body including oral cavity. The knowledge of actual practices in maintaining the oral health at standard based on patient's insights of oral health care is essential. Knowing the effect of gender on oral health would assist the development of successful attitude and behavior modification approach towards balanced oral health among the community. Results Most of the patients (89%) felt that oral hygiene is mandatory for the overall health of the body. The use of toothbrush and toothpaste (100%) was the preferred cleaning aid among patients in the present study. The major constraint for avoiding dental visit was the cost (70%) followed by dependency (20%) and time constraint (10%). Conclusions Gender played a role in the perception of general health relative oral health, dental visit, daily tooth brushing frequency and choice of toothbrush and toothpaste for oral self-care. Professional plaque removal and regular follow-up combined with oral hygiene instructions to the patients can minimize the gingival inflammation and swelling. The poor resources for dental care, common misconducts and no availability of professional care are the main barriers in seeking optimum oral hygiene. The development of oral health approach and behavior modification tactics towards maintainable oral health among the studied group should reflect these differences.