Knowledge and Practice of Interdental Aids among College Students of Dharwad City - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Dental plaque is considered as one of the chief causative agents of periodontal disease. The routinely used mechanical plaque control tool in almost every household is the manual toothbrush. However brushing alone does not eliminate plaque completely. Deposits in inaccessible areas of the oral cavity such as interproximal areas can lead to severe periodontal conditions. In light of this scenario routine use of interdental cleaning devices as adjuncts to tooth brushing for oral hygiene maintenance becomes all the more important.Objective Assessing the practice and knowledge of interdental aids among college students of Dharwad city was the objective of the present study.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional close-ended questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The survey forms were distributed among the study subjects through WhatsApp social media.Results About 16.6 participants believed that toothbrush can effectively clean interproximal surfaces and 41 subjects were aware of interdental cleaning aids. The information regarding interdental aids was provided by dentists to 20 subjects. About 53 participants expressed to be motivated to use interdental aids for oral health maintenance.Conclusion The temperament of people towards oral health and the dentistsrsquo outlook plays a pivotal role in regulating good oral health conditions of any population. This survey concluded that large section of young population of Dharwad city had an insight about interdental aids.