ASSESSMENT OF GINGIVAL HEALTH AND ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG THE PATIENTS VISITING A DENTAL HOSPITAL IN KATHMANDU

Abstract

Background: Good oral health plays an important role to improve the quality of life and general health of the people. Oral health depends on several factors including individual personal attitudes, behavior and perception. The aim was to assess the gingival health and oral hygiene among the population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient department of Community Dentistry among 369 patient of age group of 18-60 years. History taking and oral health examination was done to collect the information. The questionnaire covered demographic details, ethnicity, religion, oral hygiene habits and gingival health of the participants. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 20 version using descriptive test like frequencies, percentage. Chi square test was done to determine the association between brushing technique and gingival index score and Fischer exact test was used to see the association between material used and gingival index. Results: Majority of the participants were female (62.6%). Nearly 84% participants were from urban area. About 25% belong to Newar ethnicity. Most of them used horizontal method of cleaning (58.0%). About 99% of the participants used toothbrush and toothpaste. Most of the participants brushed once a day (68.6%). About 82%  used before breakfast in the morning . Nearly half of the participants (49.9) % had mild gingivitis. Conclusions: The gingival health and oral hygiene practices play a important role. The oral hygiene practice has been adopted by majority of the participants however, more than half of the patient are suffering from any form of gingivitis which is comparatively higher than other population.