WHAT IS ORAL HEALTH IN LAYMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is considered as being free from any kind of oraldisease. Objectives: To explore the LAYMAN’S PERSPECTIVE regarding oral health, hisawareness about oral diseases. To examine their attitude and beliefs regarding the maintenanceof oral health. Study Design: We conducted mixed study on educated and uneducated people.Study Period: 01 May, 2016 to 01 May, 2017 Study Place: Punjab dental hospital, Lahore.Material & Methods: Qualitative method was used to collect knowledge and perspective ofuneducated people. Quantitative method was used to collect data from educated people. Weinterviewed uneducated people in differenst places of Lahore and questionnaires were filled byeducated people. Results: 58% of educated people and majority of uneducated people thinkthey should visit dentist only at the time of need. 73% educated people said bleeding gumsare indicative of oral disease, while majority of uneducated people said it does not indicateoral disease. Educated people were somewhat more aware of oral health and oral diseasewhile uneducated people were unaware of even maintenance of oral health and its importance.Conclusion: Education makes the difference. Educated people have more awareness aboutoral health. Still awareness is needed a lot.