ORAL HEALTH PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS IN A SOUTH INDIAN CITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the oral health perception and practices among school teachers in a South Indian city. The oral health of school teachers is of significance, as they play a vital role in shaping the oral health behaviors of their students. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 school teachers from various educational institutions in the city. The questionnaire assessed their oral health perception, knowledge about oral hygiene practices, dental visit patterns, and oral health practices, including brushing habits and the use of dental floss. The results of the study shed light on the oral health awareness and practices among school teachers and provide insights to develop targeted oral health promotion programs for this important group.

Keywords:

Oral health, perception, practices

References

District Information System for Education, India, 2007.

Dileep CL, Basavaraj P and Jayaprakash. K. survey on knowledge, attitude and practice about the hygiene among teachers in Kanpur city. JIAPHD. 2006; 8: 57 – 59.

Paik D, Moon H, Horowitz AM, et al. Knowledge of and practices related to caries prevention among Koreans. J Public Health Dent. 1994; 54: 205-10.

Lang P, Woolfolk MW and Faja BW. Oral Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Elementary School teachers in Michigan. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 1989; 49(1): 44-50.

Al-Beiruti N. Oral health behaviour among a sample of schoolteachers, physicians and nurses in the Syrian Arab Republic. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 1997; 3(2): 258- 262.

Tanwir F, Altamash M and Gustafsson A. Influence of Betel Nut Chewing, Dental Care Habits and Attitudes on Perceived Oral Health among Adult Pakistanis. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2008; 6: 89-94.

Jamjoum H. Preventive oral health knowledge, practice and behaviour in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale. 1997; 13-18.