Assessment of oral hygiene practices in the rural population of gwalior district- A cross sectional study

Abstract

Oral hygiene is the most essential factor in the prevention and therapy of many diseases, especially periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene-related knowledge, traditional practices practiced in rural population, self-efficacy, and motivation of rural-based population, with their current oral hygiene practices.  Increased emphasis is being given on spreading dental care facilities and awareness among the rural population, the target population is unfortunately less literate and is not financially equipped compared to their urban counterparts. A Cross sectional study was carried out in Behat Village, Madhya Pradesh. Random Stratified Sampling Method was used with Sample size 126. A Questionnaire was designed and the subjects were questioned about their daily oral hygiene practices, traditional practices, dietary habits and also sugar score was calculated. Mean and Standard Deviation was found 39.48 + 15.39. 42.85% of individuals reported that they had suffered from some form of dental problem and has taken the treatment while 57.14% reported that they haven’t taken the dental treatment due to some unveiling barrier like distance, financial condition, fear, etc. Healthcare seeking behaviour among the rural population towards oral diseases was poor. So, efforts must be made to bring a change in this scenario and to make the rural population aware of the dental problems.