COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING TOOTH BRUSHING HABITS AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Background: Maintaining a clean and disease-free mouth is known as oral hygiene. To avoid oral and dental disorders, it is essential to perform it on a regular basis. Since oral health is a source of information about overall health, general health cannot be achieved without it. Oral health practices, attitudes, and knowledge are interrelated. An important component of healthy behavior is a good mindset, which is supported by better oral hygiene routines. Early adoption of healthy oral hygiene practices is crucial for improved long-term oral wellness. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of medical and non-medical students regarding tooth brushing habits.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 385 medical and non-medical students. It included 19 close-ended questions in questionaire split into 3 categories i.e., knowledge, attitude and practices on brushing habits.

Result: A statistically significant difference was observed between medical and non-medical students regarding toothbrush storage in the washroom (p < 0.001), hardness of bristles (p < 0.001), type of bristles (p = 0.031), tongue cleaning practices (p = 0.045), and toothbrush storage location (p = 0.025).

Conclusion:  Medical students are more conscious of dental hygiene habits, attitudes, and knowledge than non-medical students.