Abstract
Background/Aim: Myths related to oral diseases and oral health-related practices are very common among the population. Inadequate knowledge along with the persisting myths regarding the etiology, course and outcome of oral diseases makes it difficult to initiate health behavioural changes. Present study scrutinizes various myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among the outpatients. The aim of this study was to assess myths and misconceptions about oral health and imparting education regarding the same. Material and Methods: The calculated sample size was 200. A pre -tested closed ended questionnaire was prepared in both English and local language (Kannada). It comprised of four sections with 24 questions. The Content validity index value of 0.9 suggested a good validity. A Chi square test was applied and significance level was fixed at p< 0.05. Results: We had 100% response rate. In our study half of the participants visited dental hospital for the very first time (57.5%). About 45.2% of subjects believed 3rd molar eruption is the sign of intelligence, while 64.8% had a notion that all dental procedures are painful. Conclusions: Myths and misconceptions related to oral health are still prevalent among the population. However, small steps like compulsory education about oral health in the school curriculum, available and affordable oral care also effective use of mass media could be the steps to reduce oral health burden to the society.
Highlights
Myths related to oral diseases and oral healthrelated practices are very common among Indian population[1]
Second section consisted of 14 questions to assess the myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among the public
Fourth section was delineated to analyse whether the spouted education helped the participants in eliminating their myths and misconceptions and which type of media they preferred to improve their oral health awareness further (Figure 4)
Summary
Myths related to oral diseases and oral healthrelated practices are very common among Indian population[1]. Despite remarkable worldwide progress in the field of oral health care, there are still persisting oral health related myths are passed on to many generations by word of mouth without any scientific support. These myths that are deeply rooted in our culture that challenges to render satisfactory dental care among population. These misconceptions need to be tackled at the budding stage to facilitate the affordable and acceptable preventive oral health care[3]
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