Survey on oral hygiene protocols among orthodontic correction-seeking individuals

Abstract

Aim: Awareness on oral hygiene is important during the orthodontic phase. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of an oral hygiene program (knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene) for patients seeking fixed orthodontic treatment. Evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practice on gingival health was the aim of the present study. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 150 patients who had a full complement of permanent dentition. One hundred and fifty orthodontic patients from the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Rural Dental College, Loni, Maharashtra, India were included in the questionnaire study. Questions were based on the knowledge, attitude, and practice on oral hygiene, i.e., gingival health at the time of orthodontic treatment. All answers were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: The results of the study showed that nearly 50% of the patients were unaware about gingival health, 78% did not follow the oral hygiene instructions, and despite being given instructions, most of them were reluctant in practicing them strictly. It was very good that all patients used the toothbrush as an aid used to clean teeth and 72% of the patient did not have any previous dental exposure. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, practice of oral hygiene among orthodontic patients were poor and showed the need of better education and motivation. Many factors may be responsible for the non-maintenance of gingival health practices. There is a need to incorporate and evaluate more intense oral hygiene programs in the future.