Myths and Misconceptions Associated with Dental Extractions: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Myths and misconceptions originated from cultural, ethnic and religious beliefs and usually travels from generation to generation without any evidence. It is essential to have the knowledge and understanding of these myths to provide good oral care as well as education to the people. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the myths prevailing among general population regarding the dental extractions. Study type, settings & duration: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at the Islamabad Dental hospital, Bhara Kahu, Islamabad from April to September 2019. Methodology: The convenient sampling method was used for the study. Participants of age 18-60 years were enrolled irrespective of gender were included. A face to face interview was conducted with the enrolled participant after informed consent. Data was collected in a study proforma and descriptive analysis was carried out to calculate the frequency and percentages using SPSS version 23. Results: A total of 260 participants i.e. 142 (54.6%) males and 118 (45.4%) females with the mean age of 35.59±13.12 years were enrolled in the study. Only few participants (3%) were having masters level education. Participants having past experience of dental filling were 48.5% and of dental extraction were 46.5%. Participants believing on different myths regarding dental extractions ranged from 11.9 to 70.8%. A statistically significant difference was found among gender and education level of the participants. Conclusion: It was concluded that still a very high percentage of myths regarding dental extractions were found in society. Less educated people were more ..........

Keywords

• Myths
• gender
• education level
• oral health
• dental care