A cross sectional study to explore knowledge regarding use of oral hygiene aids among dental interns in India

Introduction: Oral health is strongly related to the general health of an individual. The most common oral diseases in developing countries are dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental plaque is the prime etiology for the periodontal disease.  Plaque control in periodontics can be accomplished by mechanical and chemical methods. Various oral hygiene aids are available to maintain the oral health status. Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of dental interns about use of different oral hygiene aids in particular situation. The study design was a cross-sectional, one point time, multi-center, questionnaire based survey constructed with 12 questions. Material and methods: A total of 393 subjects (male=160, female=233) with the mean age of 24.6 + 5 were selected using a random sampling techniques from among dental interns across the Dental Colleges in India. Result: The result of the present study revealed that dental interns have adequate knowledge towards the basic tool to maintain oral hygiene. They have less knowledge about the interdental aids in specific situation, dose and frequency of use for chlorhexidine and oral irrigation devices. Conclusion: Dental interns have basic knowledge about oral hygiene tools; still greater emphasis is needed on oral hygiene aids education in the dental schools to upgrade the knowledge of the students.