# Assessment of oral health literacy with dental hygiene among rural communities in India

## TL;DR

This study finds that oral health literacy is moderately low in rural India and strongly linked to better oral hygiene practices.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the relationship between oral health literacy and hygiene behaviors in rural Indian communities.

## Key findings

- Average oral health literacy score was 12.6 out of 20, indicating moderate literacy.
- Higher oral health literacy was significantly associated with regular dental check-ups.
- Only 34% of participants brushed twice daily and 19% used mouthwash regularly.

## Abstract

Oral health literacy (OHL) and its effect on hygiene practices among 300 adults in rural Bareilly, India is assessed. The average OHL
score was 12.6 ± 3.5 out of 20, indicating moderate literacy. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) was found
between OHL and good oral hygiene practices. Only 34% brushed twice daily and 19% used mouthwash regularly. Higher OHL was significantly
linked to regular dental check-ups (p = 0.002), highlighting the need for better oral health education in rural areas in India.