Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Among 30-60 Aged People

Background: Oral health is an integral component of general health as Sir William Osler said that ‘oral cavity is the mirror of general health'. There is substantial evidence to suggest that oral health affects general quality of life. Oral health is a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that affect the oral cavity. Oral health affects the general health, well-being, education and development of children and their families. Oral health is significantly related to oral health behaviours and their knowledge. Oral health knowledge contributes to good oral health, but unless attitudes and habits are developed and put into practice, little will be gained. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional was conducted among 150 patients who visited dental hospital in Chennai. A self-structured questionnaire was implemented. The purpose of the study was explained, any questions raised were addressed. Data was entered and statistically analysed in SPSS. Results: The general inference obtained from this study is that most of the study samples do not brush twice a day or use any of the dental aids, are not aware of the time devoted to brushing, do not select the brush according to the quality are not aware of the initial signs of poor oral hygiene and only visit a dentist when symptomatic.