Assessing oral hygiene awareness and gender differences in patients
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Evaluating awareness regarding oral hygiene practices and exploring gender differences among patients attending for oral prophylaxis
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Sukhvinder Singh Oberoi, Vikrant Mohanty, Ananya Mahajan, Avneet Oberoi
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Evaluating awareness regarding oral hygiene practices and exploring gender differences among patients attending for oral prophylaxis
Year: 2014 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.134580
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in overall health, impacting not just oral diseases but general well-being and quality of life. The relationship between patients’ perceptions of oral health care and their actual practices is vital in driving effective interventions and improvements in oral hygiene. This study focuses on evaluating the awareness of oral hygiene practices among patients seeking oral prophylaxis at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding gender differences in these practices and perceptions.
The Importance of Gender in Oral Health Practices
Understanding gender differences in oral health behavior is essential for tailoring effective health education and interventions. The study revealed that a significant portion of patients (60.4%) recognized oral hygiene as essential for overall health, with a noticeable variance between genders; more males (64.1%) acknowledged this compared to females (56.0%). However, perceptions regarding the importance of oral hygiene did not reflect significant statistical differences. It was found that toothpaste and toothbrush were the most commonly used cleaning aids, with a higher frequency of females utilizing toothbrushes compared to males. Furthermore, the study highlighted that a considerable number of patients (53.6%) had not visited a dentist in over a year, often due to a perceived lack of necessity for oral examinations, underscoring a critical area for intervention.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that while awareness of the importance of oral hygiene exists, significant gaps remain in consistent oral health behaviors among the population studied. Professional plaque removal and regular follow-ups, combined with effective oral hygiene education, are necessary to reduce gingival inflammation and enhance overall oral health in patients. Addressing the barriers to preventive dental care, such as misconceptions about the need for visits and the costs associated with dental treatments, is vital in promoting better oral health practices, particularly among those who may exhibit less adherence due to gender-specific factors.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the importance of oral hygiene for overall health?
Oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining overall health as it affects various body parts. Proper practices prevent oral diseases, which, if untreated, can negatively impact general health, wellness, and quality of life.
How many patients participated in the oral hygiene study?
The study included 250 patients from the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences who attended for oral prophylaxis. They were evaluated on their awareness of oral hygiene practices and gender differences.
What are the common practices reported for maintaining oral hygiene?
Most patients reported using toothpaste and toothbrushes for cleaning their teeth, with a significant percentage cleaning once daily. The study indicated variations in practices between genders, with females showing more frequent brushing habits.
What are the main barriers to seeking dental care?
The primary barrier was a perceived lack of need for dental examination, followed by treatment costs and time constraints. Many patients avoided regular check-ups for these reasons, highlighting a need for increased awareness.
What conclusion can be made about oral hygiene practices in the population?
The study concluded that many patients exhibit poor adherence to optimal oral hygiene practices. Regular professional care combined with patient education on effective practices is essential to enhance oral health outcomes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Assessing oral hygiene awareness and gender differences in patients’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Tooth-brushing, Gender difference, Socio-economic status, Oral health, Plaque control, Gingival inflammation, Oral health problems, Patient education, Oral prophylaxis, Oral hygiene practice, Patient Perception, Dental examination, Dietary practice.
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