Myths regarding dental health and hygiene among the employees of a tertiary care hospital: single centred study

Abstract

Objective: To identify various myths and misconceptions regarding dental health and hygiene among the non-medical employees of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 non-medical regular employees of a public tertiary care hospital of Islamabad. Simple random sampling was used to collect data using self-constructed mixed questionnaire. Doctors, nurses and paramedics were excluded from the study. Ethical approval from Institute of Review board was taken before commencing the study.

Results: Study population comprised of 200 respondents with majority (n=190) males, above the age of 40 years (n=118). Majority were married (n=185) and had education of Maters level (n=124). Dental problem was experienced by 94.5% participants. Majority (58.5%) used tooth brush to clean their tooth compared to 5% using miswak and 2.5% danadasa. More than half (54%) of participants believed that gap between upper incisors is symbol of good fortune whereas 41.5% believed that eye sight can be affected following dental extraction. One-fourth (24.5%) participants believed that wisdom tooth has some link with the wisdom and 78% responded that dental problems can be inherited. Majority (63.5%) believed that the procedure of scaling weakens the teeth.

Conclusion: Non-medical employees believe in outdated false stories and myths regarding dental health and hygiene. We recommend educational and counselling sessions for our population specially the ones working in a healthcare facility regarding dental health. There is strong need to discourage various myths prevailing in the community by endorsing health promotion.

Key words: Myths, brushing, extraction, pain, scaling