ORAL HYGIENE AWARENESS REGARDING FLOSSING AMONGDENTAL INTERNS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Dental floss is an important part of home dental care. It helpsin the maintenance of oral hygiene by effectively cleaning interdental areas, thereby lowering the risk of periodontal diseases and dental caries. The dental professionals have a major role in educating and motivating patients in maintaining oral hygiene. However, use of dental floss among young dental professionals remains unknown. Aim:To assess knowledge, awareness and self‑reported practices regarding flossing among dental interns in Navi Mumbai. Design:A closed-ended15‑item questionnairewas formulated and circulated to dental interns through google forms in Navi Mumbai region. A total of 170 responses were obtained during the period from April 2024 to September 2024. Results:The statistical analysis using mean and average reported that 59.41% participants used dental floss, 27.65% were using it before joining dentistry and only 18.23% used it everyday,80% reported that flossing reduces halitosis, though 34.71% considered that it was not necessary to use,majorly due to lack of awareness. Conclusion:The study concludes that awareness should be created regarding flossing, and adequate training should be imparted to young dental professionals. Along with itrecommended home dental care should also be practiced in order to act as role models for the general population and to increase the prescription practices.