Awareness of brushing techniques among patients - A hospital based study in a suburban population in south India

Background: Good oral hygiene and the use of appropriate brushing technique is essential for the best of oral health. Bad oral hygiene is a conducive environment for dental caries, halitosis and a host of other dental problems. Good brushing techniques play an important role in the prevention of these problems. Purpose: Aims to evaluate the knowledge of patients of their routine brushing technique that they routinely use, and aspects of their oral hygiene and practices. To spread awareness of various tooth brushing techniques and their suitability in various oral conditions. Methods and Materials: Study subjects were recruited from a randomly selected patient population attending the outpatient department of a dental hospital. (n = 304). The patients who participated were from different socio-economic backgrounds, age, educational background, locations and included men and women. An informed verbal consent was obtained from the patients, to conduct the survey. The data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel (version 10) and tabulated along with explanatory visual charts with respect to the various parameters chosen. Results: The study showed a need for increase of awareness correct brushing techniques. Socio-economic status and education also play a significant role in affecting oral hygiene measures. Conclusion: There is a need to develop initiatives, patient educations programs targeting the lower socio-economic group and those groups of low literacy. It also shows the need for dentists to play a more dominant role in educating the general public on oral hygiene conditions.