Abstract
Information and awareness on gingival health enhances knowledge and from such knowledge comes commitment and motivation for people to alter their lifestyles to prevent gingival and periodontal disease. Repeating the oral hygiene instructions on each visit, prophylactic programs and good oral home care are effective measures to prevent plaque accumulation and gingival enlargement for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. This study is undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of gingival health among orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 180 patients coming to the Department of Orthodontics at KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital who are undergoing active orthodontic treatment. The questionnaire, was given to all selected patients to complete the answers, included questions about knowledge on gingival health, practices and attitude of patients regarding oral hygiene performance. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 21. Result: Knowledge on gingival health reveals that 62.2% of participants were aware of gingival disease. 59.4% of participants followed oral hygiene instructions very often and used interdental aids (dental floss: 58.2%,interdental brush:60.9%,toothpick 67.4%) irregularly. Only 27.8% in this survey followed the oral hygiene instructions very strictly. Use of interdental aids in various age group was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Successful plaque control clearly demands appropriate knowledge about gingival health, individuals’ practice and attitude to remove plaque with a long term commitment from the dental professional and the patient as cotherapist.
Published Version
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