Dental Health Consciousness, Understanding, Attitude And Traditional Treatment Among Students Of Kashmir

The lack of general students’ knowledge of oral disease has been shown to contribute to delays in referral and treatment, thus significantly affecting the associated morbidity and mortality. Tooth plays a significant role in maintenance of positive self-image. Early detection of oral diseases makes them more amenable to treatment and allows the greatest chance of cure. The present study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude and dental awareness among students in Kashmir Valley of J&K state. The present study is Cross-sectional survey conducted among the students in Kashmir valley of J&K state. A sample of 400 students studying in various Universities of Kashmir was chosen using simple random sampling technique.  The data pertaining to knowledge, attitude and awareness about oral health was gathered from students using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using standard statistical tools. The results of our study revealed that majority of the respondents in rural areas (69.5%) use traditional method for treatment of tooth ache, 76.5% boys and 81.5% girls believed that tooth infection can cause cancer if not treated on time, 83.5% boys and 79.5% girls believed that teeth diameters can be used in sex determination of unidentified remains, 91.5% boys and 93.5% girls favoured replacement of missing teeth. Majority of the respondents (boys 58.5% and girls 91.5%) told that brushing teeth daily prevents teeth decay and periodontal disease. The major factor causing tooth decay as reported by students under study (boys 86.5% and girls 83.5%) was sugar contained foods consumed per day. The results of the study showed that the students understudy had good  knowledge about dentistry. Present study enlightens the students to have vast knowledge about oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and thereby help in early diagnosis which can prevent the further spread and thus reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. Statistically, non-significant difference was observed between boys and girls in dental awareness,  attitude and practice (p>0.05).