Home remedy for dental pain during lockdown

Abstract

Context: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. several dental care facilities across countries have been completely closed or have been only providing minimal treatment for emergency cases. The primary objectives of the study were to explore the awareness and utilization of home remedies for dental pain during the lockdown. Aims: The main aim of the study is to assess the attitude, knowledge, awareness, and utilization of home remedies for dental pain during lockdown. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire (Google Form) consisting 16 questions related to awareness, attitude toward and utilization of home remedies for dental pain was distributed through online platforms. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected and analyzed using the SPSS software. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) was used to assess the association between the independent variables with each of the main outcomes of interest. Results: Four hundred and seventeen responses were collected which included 204 males and 213 females. Dental pain was the most common dental problem faced by the study population, 68.5% were aware of home remedies and 56.5% had experienced relief from dental pain. Twenty-one percent rural study participants said that home remedy for tooth pain is better than conventional treatment. Conclusions: The surveyed population adopted home remedies as a first line of treatment for temporary relief from the tooth pain during the lockdown. Although it should be stated that majority preferred conventional treatment for permanent relief from the dental pain. During the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public had little or in some remote areas no other choice but to follow the traditional methods to relieve their pain temporarily.