Usage Patterns of Oral Care Products of Dental Patients

Abstract

Purpose or Background：This study was performed to identify the usage patterns of oral care products of the patients visiting a National University dental clinic. Materials and Methods：A questionnaire survey was administered to 298 patients visiting the K dental department based in Daegu during the period from December 10, 2005 through January 30, 2006. Results：Of total respondents, 42.3% used moderate toothbrush or soft toothbrush, 53.7% replaced their toothbrush every two or three months. Patients with periodontal diseases were aware of 2.1 devices and currently used 1 device out of 10 auxiliary oral hygiene devices recommended by dentist. Spacing patients were aware of 1.8 devices and currently use 1 device out of 3 auxiliary oral hygiene devices recommended by dentist. Patients wearing a fixed dental prosthesis were aware of 2.6 devices and currently used 1.6 devices out of 8 auxiliary oral hygiene devices. Those who received dental implant procedure were aware of 2.9 devices and currently used 1.5 devices out of 6 auxiliary oral hygiene devices. Those with orthodontic problems were aware of 2.7 devices and currently used 1.8 devices out of 6 devices, showing a higher level of awareness on oral hygiene devices. Those wearing dentures recognized 0.6 device and currently used 0.3 device out of 3, showing a lower level of awareness and usage. Of total respondents, 70.2% citied “no knowledge of oral care products” as the reason for not using any oral care product, which was followed by “no one recommended that for me” (15.8%) and “cannot be sure about efficacy” (11.4%). These findings underscore the need for recommending the use of oral care products when a patient sees the dentist. Conclusion：Given a significant association between oral health education and the use of auxiliary oral care products, it is important to promote oral health education among dental patients.