Oral Health Habits Research Articles

Conocimiento de la salud bucal y hábitos de higiene bucal en estudiantes peruanos.

Introduction: Oral health is essential for people's well-being and quality of life; therefore, the present study performs an analysis on the knowledge of oral health and oral hygiene habits, making reference to the indicators of the WHO. Objective: To analyze the knowledge of oral health and oral hygiene habits in students of the Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán, Peru, during the second semester of the 2019 academic year Material and Methods: Research type descriptive correlational design; the sample consisted of 234 students. Data collection involved the use of two questionnaires designed and validated for the study. Data processing was carried out using descriptive statistics and normality analysis using the Kolmogórov-Smirnov test. Results: The results of knowledge of oral health as well as oral hygiene habits showed a medium level. It was determined that there is a high positive correlation between the variables (R=0.796) and this correlation is significant with a level of confidence of 95% (p<0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of oral health influences the oral hygiene habits of Peruvian students, and considering that oral diseases continue to be an important and growing global public health challenge, the State must formulate preventive measures with potentially different approaches to reduce its prevalence in the population.

Differences in Oral Health Status in Elite Athletes According to Sport Modalities

Oral health status may affect physical and sports performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status and oral health habits of elite athletes according to the performed sports type. A sample of 186 elite athletes divided into individual sports (n = 74; 53 men and 21 women; 24.9 ± 9.3 years) and team sports (n = 112; 97 men and 15 women; 24.5 ± 4.8 years) participated in the study. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), the oral health impact profile (OHIP), and the diet assessment of caries risk (DACR) were evaluated to assess their oral health status. Athletes in individual modalities had a lower number in total teeth, healthy teeth, and restoration index (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this group showed a greater number of missing (p < 0.001) and decayed teeth (p < 0.05) and a greater DMFT index (p < 0.001). A relationship between sports modality and prevalence of malocclusions (p < 0.01), periodontal plaque (p < 0.05), and the habit of consuming energy drinks (p < 0.05) was also highlighted. Elite athletes who compete in individual sports presented a worse oral situation.

Dietary Patterns and Oral Health Behaviours Associated with Caries Development from 4 to 7 Years of Age.

The association between modifiable risk factors and caries in children has been documented; however, most studies have been cross-sectional and have not considered the complexity of dietary factors and oral health habits. This study aimed to investigate the prospective association between dietary patterns and oral health behaviours at 4 years of age and the development of new decayed, missing, and filled teeth (d3–6mft/D3–6MFT) over a period of three years. Participants were children from the Generation XXI population-based birth cohort. At 4 years of age, diet patterns were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, with three dietary patterns being identified. For the purpose of capturing the new development of caries between 4 and 7 years of age, two dental outcomes were defined in the mixed dentition: “dental caries development” and “severe dental caries development” in the mixed dentition. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. From 4 to 7 years of age, 51.2% of the children had at least one new d3–6mft/D3–6MFT and 27.4% had more than two new d3–6mft/D3–6MFT. Children belonging to the “energy-dense foods” (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.20–4.00) and “snacking” (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.41–3.41) dietary patterns at 4 years old were associated with severe dental caries development three years later. Preventive strategies should be implemented in an attempt to reduce snacking and the consumption of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods to promote children’s oral health.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among School Children in Abha-Saudi Arabia.

Oral health is a very critical component of individuals' physical and psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the dental health knowledge, attitude, and practice among schoolchildren in Abha. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted. Each student completed a questionnaire regarding oral health. The participants were 800 students: 54.8% were male and 45.2% were female. Knowledge scores showed that -59.1% of the participants have fair knowledge. Statistically significant results were found between the age, school type, and students' educational level with the knowledge of oral health care (p < .05). More than half of the participants had positive attitudes (57.2%) and less than half demonstrated satisfactory oral health habits (45.3%). Students' educational level was significantly associated with attitudes and practices (p < .05). It can be concluded that the average knowledge, attitude, and practice level was 53.9%, which is not a positive indicator and needs to be strengthened.

Recommendations for delivering oral health advice: a qualitative supplementary analysis of dental teams, parents\u2019 and children\u2019s experiences

BackgroundTooth decay has a significant impact on children, their families and wider society. The dental consultation provides an opportunity to prevent tooth decay by engaging in an effective oral health conversation with parents and children. However, there is limited literature which explores how these oral health conversations are delivered, received, and understood.AimTo explore the common facilitators of delivering oral health advice from dental teams, parents' and children's experiences, to identify and inform practical recommendations for clinical practice.MethodThe current paper used a qualitative supplementary analysis to reanalyse data of existing published studies by applying a different research question. Qualitative focus groups were undertaken following a semi-structured interview guide with 27 dental team members (dentists, dental nurses, practice managers and receptionists), 37 parents and 120 children (aged 7–10 years old) in the northern region of England. Thematic analysis informed the identification of themes and aggregation of findings.ResultsThree overarching themes were developed: (1) An engaging and personalised dental visit for parents and children; (2) Dental teams, parents and children working collaboratively to improve oral health habits; and (3) Recommending appropriate oral health products. Many parents and children had little recollection of any preventive oral health conversations when visiting the dentist. Practical solutions were identified by different stakeholders to facilitate three-way, personalised, non-judgemental and supportive oral health conversations. Adopting these innovative approaches will help to enable parents and their children to adopt and maintain appropriate oral health behaviours.ConclusionUnderstanding the context and triangulating the experiences of stakeholders involved in preventive oral health conversations for young children is an essential step in co-designing a complex oral health intervention. This study has provided recommendations for dental practices and wider paediatric health care services. Furthermore, the findings have informed the design of a complex oral health intervention called "Strong Teeth".

Gender Differences in the COVID-19 Pandemic Risk Perception, Psychology, and Behaviors of Spanish University Students.

The actual COVID-19 pandemic scenario has generated a context of uncertainty, helplessness, and inequality. Yet, the perception of COVID-19 risk has influenced nutritional, psychological, and physical activity patterns depending on gender. We conducted the present research with the aim of studying gender differences of university students in the perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in psychological, nutritional, oral health, and physical activity habits. To reach the study’s aim, 300 volunteer university students completed an online questionnaire which analyzed variables of perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological profiles, and nutritional, oral health, and physical activity habits. Results showed that females presented a higher perception of danger to the COVID-19 virus than males but showed no differences in how the pandemic has affected personal lives. Females showed higher values of anxiety, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience, while males presented higher values of extraversion. Nutritionally, males presented greater consumption of soft drinks, meat, and pasta or rice, and lower buccal hygiene. Yet, no differences were found regarding physical activity patterns. Results from the present study could be used by various educational institutions to implement multidisciplinary interventions to reduce the stress and risk perception.

Investigating Nutritional Behavior and Oral Health Habits among Adults and Children in Nοrth-Eastern Greece

The importance of the oral microbiota is strictly linked to global human health. When imbalance of the oral microbiota occurs, and it is characterized by shifts in bacterial composition and diversity; a state called dysbiosis is settled. There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that this condition is associated with oral diseases caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. Diet seems to be a key factor for oral and dental health, impacting upon the oral microbiota. In an attempt to clarify the role of diet, as well as other implicating risk factors predisposing to oral disease, in the present study we enrolled an urban area of north-eastern Greece. Socio-demographical as well as hygienic and nutritional habits of a target group consisting of adult and children were entered in our study through a survey. People of the studied area are less interested in preventive and other dental therapies. Children and adults are less interested in healthy eating, yet they often consume sugary foods and often outside of their main meal. The partial shifting to the standard of the Mediterranean diet and less to the standard of the western type foods is notable. It is important to raise the awareness of both children and adults through strategical campaigns and education on oral health, oral hygiene and the benefits of a balanced diet.

Effectiveness of trained health workers in improving the oral hygiene of preschool children.

Poor oral health among children is common finding in the rural regions of India. But if the existent structure of primary health care is used, favourable oral health habits and importance of oral health can be instilled in the children and their parents at a very early stage. To evaluate the effectiveness of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) in improving the oral hygiene of the preschool children through oral health education. 250 children in the age group of 2.5-6 years, were included in the study. The study was conducted in three phases over a period of 8 months which included a follow up of six months. Baseline oral health was determined using a questionnaire assessing the oral hygiene practices and DMFT Index, Plaque Index and Gingival Index. This was re-assessed after 6 months using the same questionnaire and indices. Statistical significance was fixed at p value Ł 0.05. Chi square and paired 't' test were used to assess the difference in the variables after providing oral health education. Out of 250 children, with mean age of 4.24 years, majority were girls (142, 56.8%). The use of fluoridated toothpaste among the study population significantly increased from 34.4% to 41.5% (p=0.001) with the intervention of oral health education (OHE). Decrease in consumption of sticky sugar, addition of sugar in the night-feeds and cleaning of teeth after night-feeds were also found to change significantly. Gingival index showed significant reduction after OHE (p=0.001). The study revealed that training of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) could be used to improve the oral health of the Anganwadi children. They represent an untapped source for delivering oral care to rural communities that otherwise have limited access.

Oral Health Behaviour of Nine-Year-Old Children and Their Parents in Sarajevo

The oral health situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the worst in Europe. We investigated the oral health behaviour of primary schoolchildren and their parents in Sarajevo. This was an anonymous cross-sectional survey among third-grade schoolchildren and their parents’ oral health habits in Canton Sarajevo. Cluster random sampling yielded a representative sample from all the public schools in Canton Sarajevo in 2019. The survey targeted a total of 441 children and 365 parents. Two thirds (66.5%) of the children reported brushing their teeth twice daily, and almost half of them failed to use fluoride toothpaste daily. Girls brushed their teeth significantly more often than did the boys (74% vs. 58%, p = 0.004). Children living in residential areas of middle and high socioeconomic status (SES) reported better oral health habits than did those living in areas of low SES. Our study showed that Sarajevo children’s oral health habits were poor. One-third of the nine-year-olds failed to brush their teeth according to recommendations, and almost half of them failed to use fluoride toothpaste daily. Improving the children’s oral health in the future will urgently require national oral health promotion and prevention programmes.

\u201cStrong Teeth\u201d: the acceptability of an early-phase feasibility trial of an oral health intervention delivered by dental teams to parents of young children

BackgroundDental caries (tooth decay) in children is a worldwide public health problem. The leading cause of caries is poor oral hygiene behaviours and the frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Changing oral health habits requires effective behaviour change conversations. The dental practice provides an opportunity for dental teams to explore with parents the oral health behaviours they undertake for their young children (0–5 years old). However, evidence suggests that dental teams need further support, training and resources. Therefore, “Strong Teeth” (an oral health intervention) was co-developed to help dental teams undertake these behaviour change conversations. The current paper will explore the acceptability of the “Strong Teeth” intervention with dental teams and parents of children aged 0–5 years old using multiple datasets (interviews, focus groups and dental team member diaries)MethodsFollowing the delivery of the “Strong Teeth” intervention, qualitative interviews with parents and focus groups with dental team members were undertaken. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using a theoretical framework of acceptability. The self-reported dental team diaries supplemented the interviews and focus groups and were analysed using framework analysis.ResultsFour themes were developed: (1) integration within the dental practice; (2) incorporating the Oral-B electric toothbrush; (3) facilitating discussions and demonstrations; and (4) the practicality of the Disney Magic Timer app. Overall, the “Strong Teeth” intervention was acceptable to parents and dental teams. Parents felt the Oral-B electric toothbrush was a good motivator; however, the Disney Magic Timer app received mixed feedback on how well it could be used effectively in the home setting. Findings suggest that the intervention was more acceptable as a “whole team approach” when all members of the dental practice willingly participated.ConclusionsThere are limited studies that use a robust process evaluation to measure the acceptability of an intervention. The use of the theoretical framework of acceptability helped identify aspects of the intervention that were positive and helped identify the interventions areas for enhancement moving forwards. Future modifications include enhanced whole team approach training to optimise acceptability to all those involved.Trial registrationISRCTN Register, (ISRCTN10709150).

The association between genetic polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinases and caries experience.

The variation in the caries susceptibility while environmental factors are similar indicates that the effect of individual factors such as genetics on caries process and tooth development should be revealed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in MMP13 (rs2252070) and MMP20 (rs1784418) with caries experience. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 subjects aged 6 to 14 years. Demographic data, data on oral health habits were obtained through the statements of guardian of the individuals, caries data was collected by clinical examination. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to extract the genomic DNA. Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms was carried out by real-time PCR. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between different subgroups considering caries experience. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Allele distribution of MMP13 was different between caries-affected and caries-free subjects. MMP13 A allele increased the caries risk (p=0.005, OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.20-2.82). Allele and genotype distribution of the polymorphism in MMP20 were not associated with caries experience (p>0.05). It is concluded that the genetic variation in MMP13 was associated with the caries experience in selected subjects in Turkey. The knowledge regarding association between the MMP genes and caries experience, might benefit the clinical practice, improving caries-preventive and caries-therapeutic approaches.

Oral Health Awareness and Practices of Special Needs Caregivers in Qatif, Saudi Arabia

Background: Adequate oral health awareness and practices of special needs caregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining the optimal oral health of their dependents. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing the level of oral health awareness and practices of special needs caregivers in Qatif, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The current cross-sectional descriptive study collected information by a self-administered questionnaire about awareness and practices of oral health in caregivers. The questionnaire consisted of four parts covering the caregiver demographic information, the awareness of oral health habits and conditions, awareness of dental visits and treatments, and knowledge and sources of information. Statistical analyses included descriptive and bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test, where P-values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There was an overall response rate of 27% (n = 186 out of 700). The majority (64.5%, n = 120) of the caregivers were female, 70.4% (n = 121) were educated up to a minimum of high school level. Up to 81.2% (n = 151) of the caregivers reported that dependents routinely brushed their teeth. Also, 84.9% (n = 158) of the caregivers knew about fluoride, and 77.8% (n = 123) understood that it helps prevent tooth decay. About three-quarters of the caregivers (n = 142) had taken their dependents to the dentist; 35.9% (n = 51) reported dental visits within the last six months. The most predominant information resources were dentists (54.6%, n = 83), TV and media (47.4%, n = 72), and the Internet (46.1%, n = 70). Caregivers' level of education was the only factor that had a significant relationship with oral health awareness (P = 0.018). Conclusion: The majority of the caregivers have a good awareness of proper oral health practices. Given the significant influence of the educational level of caregivers in oral health awareness, it is essential to ensure that they have any relevant education to improve their dependents’ oral health.

Illicit drug use and oral health.

People with drug use disorders (PWDUD) have elevated prevalence of oral diseases, in particular dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease and xerostomia (dry mouth). When left untreated, these oral health conditions may progress and lead to tooth ache, abscesses and tooth loss, and in turn, to poor chewing functioning and digestion, dental aesthetic problems and reduced wellbeing. Illicit drug use may, per se, cause xerostomia, which in turn increases vulnerability for dental caries. However, the other main drivers of oral diseases and their progression-poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar intake and infrequent dental visits-can mainly be ascribed to the irregular lifestyle, poor economy and mental health problems that often accompany illicit drug use. Establishment of good oral health habits is essential in the dental care for PWDUD. Dental treatment is often comprehensive and challenging; because the patients may have extensive treatment needs but also difficulties adhering to preventive measures and dental appointments. An integrated care approach for PWDUD would likely benefit both their oral and general health.

Psychological distress, oral health behaviour and related factors among adolescents: Finnish School Health Promotion Study

BackgroundPsychological distress may affect health behaviour. We examined how psychological distress, social phobia (SP) and anxiety associated with tooth brushing among Finnish adolescents with respect to gender, school grade, parents’ education, family structure, smoking and perceived general health.MethodsThis study is part of the Finnish national School Health Promotion Study (SHP). The study population comprised a representative sample of Finnish 15-year-olds (N = 45,877). Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) served to assess SP and anxiety. A questionnaire enquired about the respondents’ oral health habits (tooth brushing, smoking), background factors (age, gender, family structure and parents’ education) and perceived general health. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses served in the statistical analyses.ResultsAbout two-thirds of the girls (66.7%) and less than half of the boys (40.1%) followed the international recommendation of tooth brushing twice daily. Girls reported possible problems with SP and GAD more often than boys did. Those reporting possible problems with SP or moderate or severe anxiety brushed their teeth at least twice daily less often than did those reporting no possible problems with SP and those with no, slight or mild anxiety. Logistic regression analyses showed that male gender (OR = 3.2; 95% CI 3.1–3.4), parents’ basic education (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.4–1.5), and adolescents’ perception of their current state of health as moderate, fairly or very poor (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.5–2.0) associated with not brushing teeth twice daily. Gender-specific logistic regression analyses showed that boys who smoked (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.6–1.8) were less likely than non-smokers to brush their teeth twice daily.ConclusionAdolescents with psychological distress, such as possible SP or possible general anxiety, had less favourable oral health behaviour. Psychological distress indicates a greater risk for oral health problems already in adolescence.

High Parity Is an Independent Risk Factor for Tooth Loss in Women: A Community-Based Takahata Study in Japan

Risk factors for tooth loss have been widely examined previously. However, no previous study has comprehensively investigated the risk factors, including lifestyle-related specific factors (parity, oral health habits, and socioeconomic status), for fewer than 20 teeth among women in the general population in Japan. This cross-sectional study explored the association of these risk factors, especially parity, with having fewer than 20 teeth among Japanese women. A self-reported questionnaire including items on lifestyle-related risk factors (parity, oral health, diet [e.g., alcohol and sucrose consumption]) and socioeconomic status was sent by post to female residents (age ≥ 40 years) of Takahata town, Yamagata Prefecture, in 2005. Multivariate logistic regression analysis including 3,854 eligible participants was performed to investigate the association between various factors (including parity) and having fewer than 20 teeth. The results indicated that, compared with nulliparous women, women with two, three, and four completed pregnancies had 2.485-, 2.844-, and 4.305-fold increased risk of having fewer than 20 teeth, respectively. Our study is the largest-scale study of the general female population in Japan and the first study to comprehensively investigate risk factors (parity, oral health status, and socioeconomic status) for fewer than 20 teeth. We thus found that higher parity, especially, two or more, was independent risk factors for having less than 20 teeth among Japanese women. In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the importance of good oral health habits in women, especially, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, to maintain 20 or more teeth.

Temporomandibular disorder prevalence and its association with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and neck function in healthcare students: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) prevalence in female students and to assess its association with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and function. Methods: One hundred forty-four participants were included. The severity of TMD was assessed with Fonseca’s Anamnestic Index (FAI). The oral parafunctions were self-reported with the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC). Neck pain and neck function were recorded with the Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI). The Spearman correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Seventy participants (48.6%) had mild TMD. All participants had a positive OBC score, which indicated an oral parafunction. A moderate correlation between TMD and oral parafunctions (p < 0.001) was detected. Discussion: TMD is common in female healthcare students, and its presence is associated with oral parafunctions, neck pain, and function. It is recommended to evaluate oral health habits and neck pain and function in females with TMD.

Modelling risk factors for high/low Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) in the Australian adults.

Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) is an instrument to assess the subjective perception needed for orthodontic treatment (OT). The study aimed to (1) evaluate the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and the potential role of OT and (2) determine associations between PIDAQ with self-rated general and oral health, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), and receipt of OT among Australian adults. Data were obtained from the 2013 Australian National Dental Telephone Interview Survey (NDTIS). The PIDAQ was utilized as main outcome, comprising items from four conceptual domains: self-confidence, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concern. Participants reported their socio-demographic, behavioural, self-rated general and oral health as well as the poor OHRQOL using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) instrument and OT. The mean of PIDAQ and four subscales score and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Generalized liner regression was used to estimate association between PIDAQ and covariates by calculating the mean ratio (MR) and their 95% CI. There were 2936 Australian adults who completed the PIDAQ items. The mean PIDAQ score was 28.8 (95% CI: 28.0-29.6). Higher PIDAQ scores were identified among those who reported non-Australian birth, lower incomes, infrequent dental visits, less than 21 teeth and brushing teeth less than twice a day, fair/poor self-rated general and oral health, and poor OHRQOL. In multivariable modelling, the mean PIDAQ score was 1.91 (95% CI: 1.82-2.00) times higher among those with OIDP score >3 and 1.06 (95% CI:1.01-1.10) times higher in those who had OT, comparing with their counterparts. Also, higher PIDAQ scores were identified among females, last visiting a dentist more than 2 years ago, fair or poor self-rated oral and general health. Higher PIDAQ scores that have a greater impact on OHRQOL were associated with poorer self-rated general and oral health. This may be explained by unfavourable dental attendance and oral health habits. The positive correlation with OIDP scores verifies the validity of the PIDAQ. Those who had received OT had lower PIDAQ and OIDP scores.

Awareness About Dental Hygiene Practices And Oral Health Among Salt Pan Workers In Tuticorin - A Survey

Oral health &amp; general health go hand in hand as one influences the other. The oral cavity can be called as the gateway to the body as it serves as an entry point to all forms of infection. To attain good oral health, one needs to have knowledge of dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. ​. The extreme weather and hard labour conditions in the salt pans cause a lot of morbidities among the salt workers. These morbidities are aggravated if the salt workers do not protect themselves with personal protective measures. ​From the study, we can infer that the understanding of the mindset of daily wage workers can be key to providing them with dental treatment for their needs. ​The study aims to measure the knowledge and attitude about oral health maintenance and habits among salt pan workers in Tuticorin district. This survey was carried out among salt pan workers in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu to assess their awareness about common dental health problems and data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire and samples were assigned using convenience sampling methods. Data were collected after obtaining informed consent and steps were taken to ensure confidentiality at all stages. A maximum of 10 people was asked to visit the clinic to take the survey. It was conducted over a period of 10 days. Both male &amp; female workers were involved in the study. The data was collected and tabulated in an excel sheet. Then the raw data was later transferred to SPSS Software. Salt pan workers generally have dental problems, dermatological problems and musculoskeletal problems as the most common morbidities among them. This study showed that more than 50% of the salt pan workers in Tuticorin have good awareness towards oral health.

Awareness of Oral Hygiene among Dental Students-A Survey

Attitudes of dental students toward their own oral health affect their oral health habits and also have apossible influence on the improvement of the oral health of their patients and society.The aim of this surveyis to create awareness among dental students on oral hygiene.A survey with 17 questions was prepared andsent via google forms to 100 dental students.The responses were collected and analysed.Most of the dentistsare aware that oral health determines the overall health of an individual.Many among the population usemouthwash,rinsing with water etc to avoid bad odour. Aspects of a dental student’s oral health attitude andbehavior improved but this improvement was limited.Thus, the students should be motivated to become anexample of oral health for the society, for which few steps to motivate them toward better oral health areproposed.This approach would also be helpful in disseminating positive oral health concepts to the generalpublic.

SELF PERCEIVED HALITOSIS AND ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Background- Halitosis is perceptibly unpleasant or offensive odors emanating from the mouth while exhaling during breathing and per se does not imply any particular cause or source The aim of this study was to estimate the self-reported prevalence and extent of awareness of halitosis among dental students to assess its prevalence, relationship between halitosis and self-reported symptoms of oral health and oral hygiene practices. Materials and methods- The Structured questionnaire consisted of 3 parts in which first part was related to gender, age, and educational level, second was participant’s perception of any malodor and its history and social effects and third was concerned with oral hygiene practice and health habits and involved dental students from the 5 dental colleges. Out of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 180 were filled and returned with overall response rate of 36%. From these responses, the incomplete questionnaires were discarded and, 152 were selected for analysis. The age range of the participants was between 17-47 yrs. Females and males accounted for 80.9% and 19.1% respectively. The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis was 17% among the males and 45.5% among the female participants. Conclusion-Our results indicate that the prevalence of self-perceived malodor among dental students is in the similar range reported by other studies. However, these findings need to be corroborated by objective examination to ascertain the prevalence.