Knowledge, Behavior, and Attitude Towards Oral Health Among a Population Visiting a Dental College and Hospital in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Oral health knowledge is usually obtained from information that subsequently translates into action. Behavior is an outcome measure when an action is sustained. Attitudes toward oral health determine the condition of the oral cavity. Oral diseases are clearly related to behavior, and the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease has decreased with improvements in oral hygiene and a decrease in the consumption of sugary substances ^[5]. This study presents an overview of oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the population visiting department of public health dentistry at the MNR dental college and hospital, Sangareddy. The promotion of good oral hygiene is advocated and supported by the World Health bodies.^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}.

In our study, 78.2% have reported brushing their teeth once a day which is relatively higher compared to a study by Christensen LB et al. ^[10] where only 32% brushed their teeth once a day, and similar reports were noticed in other studies ^[13][14]. Only 25% were aware that it is a brushing technique that is important for better cleaning of teeth. Large populations must be taught correct brushing techniques depending on age and oral health conditions. We have noticed in our study that many participants, nearly 75% using toothpaste, were unaware of the fluoride content of the paste. This is unsatisfactory and indicates a lack of awareness about toothpaste content, which should be addressed urgently ^[11]. In the present study, 11.5% of the participants chose their toothpaste based on the cost, 41.7% based on the advertisements, 21.3% opted for Ayurveda-based toothpaste, and only 25.1% looked for fluoride content in toothpaste. These findings can be compared to another Nigerian study among hospital patients, where cost, taste, and fluoride content were the major factors influencing the choice of toothpaste ^[12].

When mentioned if tongue scraper is essential along with a toothbrush, 47% opted No. This gives a clear picture that the knowledge pertaining to the importance of tongue cleaning is highly lacking among the study population. Tongue coating, a grayish-white deposit on the tongue, is the main cause of intra-oral halitosis, a socially unacceptable condition. Dental flossing is less practiced by the study participants as only 6.4% have reported using dental floss, and when it comes to taking sugary snacks/drinks alarmingly, 64% have reported taking it at various times in a day. This is also a point of concern as its sugary snacks/drinks that nourish the oral bacteria and lead to dental caries. One of the most depressing response which is visiting a dentist only when there is pain. This kind of mindset must be changed among the populations because unless this kind of attitude diminishes among the public, desired oral health conditions cannot be achieved.

Serious efforts pertaining to improving the attitudes of individuals towards dental health maintenance have to be made from each and every corner of the globe. In a developing country like India, improving oral health conditions in rural populations brings a huge difference in the lives of people, thereby overall growth. 71.3% have reported delaying their dental treatment stating the most common reason to be the time factor. Taking time out of busy schedules may not be easy, but the importance of oral health must be understood as health is wealth. 54.3% of study subjects were unaware of the relationship between oral health and systemic health. A healthy oral cavity is important for overall systemic health. The ultimate way to avoid diseases of the oral cavity and other systemic conditions begins with educating patients about this relationship ^[15].