Knowledge and Practice About Oral Hygiene by Tribal People (Orao) in Rangpur Region, Bangladesh

Background: In spite of great improvements in the oral health status of populations across the world, oral diseases continue to be a major public health problem. Oral diseases make significant contributions to the global burden of disease, which is particularly high in the under privileged groups of both developed and developing countries. The underlying cultural beliefs and practices influence the conditions of the teeth and mouth, through diet, care-seeking behaviors, or use of home remedies. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice about oral health by tribal (Orao) people in Rangpur, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 respondents living in tribal (Orao)) reached area of Rangpur District, Rangpur over the period of three months from July to December 2014. The samples were collected by purposive random sampling technique and were interviewed through a structured questionnaire followed by through checklist. Results: It is found that most (64.8%) respondents brushing should be done after meal; more than half (57.2%) respondents replied that sweet food or chocolate is harmful for teeth; 60.4% answered that upward and downward direction is the proper brushing technique; 61% responded tooth brush as the brushing device. It is found that most (76.7%) respondents brush their teeth regularly; more than half (59.1%) respondents brush their teeth once, and 35.8% respondents brush their teeth twice; most (78%) respondents brush their teeth at morning. Conclusion: Statistics on change in oral health-related behaviors across zoographic area and culture may provide a valuable tool in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of oral health promotion programs.