Assessment of oral hygiene practices and gingival health of students of dentistry at Liaquat Medical University, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Objective: To explore oral hygiene practices, gingival health and its association among dental students at Liaquat Medical University, Jamshoro. Methodology: This cross sectional study included154 dental students with age from 18-25 years of either gender using convenient sampling technique. The data regarding age, gender and oral hygiene habits were obtained through questionnaire. The clinical examination of students was performed on dental chair. The gingival health status was recorded via modified gingival index. The data were analysed by SPSS version 16. Results: All the students reported to brush their teeth, 69 % students brushed their teeth twice daily and 29% brushed once daily. Only 7% students used dental floss daily, 28% occasionally and 65% never used dental floss. Regarding use of mouthwash, 49% students reported its use only in problem, 42% never used it and only 9% students used daily. Total of 6% students reported to have received fluoride varnish treatment and only 3% students had got pits and fissure sealants. Over 71% students visited dentist only when in pain. Majority of students reported no oral health problem, 14% suffered dental decay and 12% had bleeding gums. 63% study participants had normal healthy gingiva. Conclusion: All dental students used tooth brushing on daily basis, however frequency of brushing varied. The use of dental floss and pit and fissure sealants was negligible. Majority of students had healthy gingiva.