Self-reported oral hygiene practices and oral health status among dental professionals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene practices and oral status of dental professionals working in Riyadh, KSA. Questionnaires were distributed to a conveniently selected sample of 400 dental professionals. The questionnaire included the demographics, oral-hygiene practices, past-dental history, self-reported currentdental status, dental appointments, self-reported familydental condition, self-grading of oral-health and possible reasons for negligence in oral health. The response rate was 68.8%. Significant differences between male and female participants were observed regarding the reported frequencies of brushing (p=.001) and the history of dental visits (p = .013). Differences between the responses to the social habits on the consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, cigarettes and water pipe were insignificant. Generally, the participant's experiences with dental treatment was excellent to very good. Avoiding dental visits due to a fear of cross infection was very high (Likert scale = 3.47 out of 4) among participants. Participating dental professionals, oral hygiene practices and oral health status were satisfactory. Gender-based differences were found with females expressing more care regarding their oral health. Gingival bleeding/gingivitis and bruxism were prevalent among the male and female participants respectively. Poor oral hygiene was the primary cause for the damaged dentition. Fear of cross infection from the dental treatment prevented the participants for seeking dental treatment. Oral health attitude; Oral health behavior; Oral Hygiene Practices; Dental Professionals; Oral hygiene. Oral health is an integral part of an individual's general health. Disease-free oral cavities and healthy toothsupporting tissues are essential for optimum oral functionality. Interplay of various factors affect the socioeconomic status, education and availability of health care facilities which are significant factors that greatly influence oral health. 1 Dental caries, gingival inflammation and eventual tooth loss requiring artificial tooth replacement are deleterious consequences of oral hygiene neglect. The majority of people believe that loss is inevitable, which eventually needs replacement; also contributing towards the negligence of maintaining good oral hygiene. Neglect in oral hygiene massively affects the quality of life and expectancy. 2 Oral diseases as a result of poor oral hygiene may lead to the manifestation of various systemic diseases. Various studies have investigated the relation of oral cavity and its microbiology to several other organ systems. This reflects how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene. 3 Education plays a major role in guiding people regarding their oral hygiene. Individuals at higher education levels show more responsibility towards eating habits and performing necessary oral hygiene routines. 4 They are more aware of the consequences and problems caused by neglect in oral hygiene.

Physiotherapy students’ oral health related knowledge, attitudes and practices at an identified institution of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…The challenge arises when there is an expectation that health education will inculcate positive notions of the concept of health but it cannot be assumed that students will readily integrate these concepts into their theoretical and practical knowledge. [16][17] This finding is further supported by Raval and Shaikh 4 who concede the need for educational programmes to encourage good oral health and practices among health professionals.…”

Are Dentists Hypocrites? Oral Self-care Habits and Self-reported Oral Health Status among Dentists and Non-dentists in Croatia

“…Namely, this research included almost 10% of the total number of working dentists in Croatia. In addition, this study included 450 dentists, while other similar studies had a significantly smaller sample: Habib et al 74 dentists from Saudi Arabia ( 5 ), Madan et al 255 dentists from India ( 6 ), Wagle et al 195 dentists from Nepal ( 7 ) and Zadik et al 40 dental surgeons from Israel ( 8 ). Some other research such as the research conducted by Cebeci et al ( 9 ), Folayan et al ( 10 ), Yao et al ( 11 ), Peker and Alkurt ( 12 ) included dental students, but they were not included in our study.…”

“…Croatian dentists brush their teeth more often than non-dentists and they usually do it 2 (57%) or 3 (31%) times a day. In Saudi Arabia, 44% of dentists brush their teeth twice a day, and 14% 3 times a day or more than three times a day ( 5 ). In Nepal, the percentage of dentists who brush their teeth twice a day, or more than twice a day is 82% ( 7 ), in Israel 75% ( 8 ).…”

“…Non dentists use dental floss less often (64% of them use dental floss) compared to dentists and it is most often used only when needed (42%), only 10% use it every day. In Saudi Arabia, 71% of dentists use dental floss ( 5 ), and in India 85% ( 6 ). The use of dental floss is very important for maintaining oral and dental health.…”