Assessing the knowledge and attitude regarding bruxism among the dental interns of various dental colleges of Gujarat: An electronic cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: The most commonly observed habit in growing children is grinding or clenching of teeth termed bruxism which occurs during daytime or sleep. Typical indications range from dental damage, pulpal sensitivity, movement of teeth, pain from fragmented restorations, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, masseter hyperactivity, and temporal migraines. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding bruxism among the interns in government and private dental colleges of Gujarat through a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A structured 15-set questionnaire was fabricated for assessment. Questions about the knowledge of causes, characteristics, and management of bruxism and the attitude toward treatment modalities were assessed for the interns. This questionnaire was distributed among various government and private dental college interns obtained through personal contact. Results: Almost 50% of participants knew the characteristic symptoms associated with bruxism. Almost two-thirds of the population identified the most appropriate treatment modalities for dental management of bruxism. There was a slight variance in the attitude toward approaching characteristics of patients with bruxism. Conclusion: The study was able to assess the knowledge and attitude toward bruxism among the interns completing their internship from dental streams of the colleges and also able to identify the areas to be addressed for improving the standards of bruxism education among the interns at their crucial juncture of moving out to the community and society as health-care providers. However, more widespread education tools are required to educate the dental interns.

Keywords

• attitude
• bruxism
• dental interns
• grinding of teeth
• knowledge
• questionnaire
• temporomandibular joint