# Dental patients’ views on oral health and hygiene: a questionnaire-based assessment in Bangladesh

## TL;DR

This study in Bangladesh assesses dental patients' oral health habits and awareness, finding reasonable but insufficient practices and knowledge.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into oral health behaviors and knowledge gaps among patients in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh.

## Key findings

- 67% of participants brush their teeth twice daily, but only 72% replace their toothbrush every 2 months.
- 44% of patients learn about dental health from their parents, and 84% recognize oral health's impact on overall well-being.
- Just under 50% of participants clean their mouths and gargle after eating, indicating moderate but suboptimal hygiene practices.

## Abstract

A major influence on quality of life is caused by the general public's inability to recognize poor oral health and untreated oral disorders, as well as the widespread acceptance of poor oral status as the standard. Because they are so common and often ignored, oral diseases pose an existential risk to public health. People's attitudes regarding oral health and illness, therefore, have a significant impact on dental health. This study aims to assess the patients' behavior, attitudes, and level of knowledge while visiting or seeking dental treatment at various dental care clinics in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh.

A structured self-chosen questionnaire, that takes 5-10 minutes to complete, was posed to general patients visiting dental care. The individuals' responses were computed as percentages.

Among the 214 participants, 67% brush their teeth two times daily. About 72% patients change their toothbrush following 2 months of usage and 6% patients change it within 6 months. Among the patients 44% stated primary information source about dental health is their parents. Majority patients 84% know that oral health have influence over general well-being of our life and the practice of cleaning mouth and making gurgle after eating food is prevalent among participants by just below 50%.

The study participants' attitudes, practice and awareness of their dental health are reasonable, but they fall short of what is needed. Consequently, it is essential to offer instruction and encouragement regarding oral health and associated challenges.