Table 2 Knowledge of students on oral hygiene
Variable | Frequency (n = 233) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
What is the main cause of tooth decay? | ||
Bacteria plaque present on the teeth | 67 | 28.8 |
Not brushing properly | 125 | 53.7 |
Eating sugary foods | 29 | 12.5 |
Not going to the dentist | 4 | 1.7 |
Drinking sodas with sugar | 3 | 1.3 |
Weak enamel | 3 | 1.3 |
Drinking sodas without sugar | 2 | 0.9 |
Which of the following would prevent your gums from bleeding? | ||
Brushing and flossing teeth | 64 | 27.5 |
Going to the dentist for regular checkups | 65 | 27.9 |
Eating less sugar | 82 | 35.2 |
Using toothpaste containing fluoride | 22 | 9.4 |
Is bleeding of the gums while brushing your teeth normal? | ||
Yes | 45 | 19.3 |
No | 177 | 76.0 |
Unsure | 11 | 4.7 |
Can advanced periodontal disease contribute to heart disease? | ||
Yes | 66 | 28.3 |
No | 105 | 45.1 |
Unsure | 62 | 26.6 |
Is it normal to lose teeth as one gets older? | ||
Yes | 139 | 59.7 |
No | 83 | 35.6 |
Unsure | 11 | 4.7 |
How often should you visit the dentist? | ||
At least once every six months | 129 | 55.4 |
At least once a year | 41 | 17.6 |
At least once every two years | 4 | 1.7 |
When there is a real need | 35 | 15.0 |
Never | 24 | 10.3 |
If one takes proper care of his or her teeth, can they last for a lifetime? | ||
Yes | 189 | 81.1 |
No | 32 | 13.7 |
Unsure | 12 | 5.2 |
My nutrition or daily eating habits affect my oral health | ||
Yes | 128 | 54.9 |
No | 94 | 40.3 |
Unsure | 11 | 4.7 |
Is chewing tobacco less harmful to the tooth than smoking a cigarette? | ||
Yes | 99 | 42.5 |
No | 114 | 48.9 |
Unsure | 20 | 8.6 |
Have you had any education on oral hygiene before? | ||
Yes | 213 | 91.4 |
No | 15 | 6.4 |
Unsure | 5 | 2.2 |
If yes, where? | ||
School | 172 | 80.8 |
Radio/Television | 28 | 13.2 |
Family | 9 | 4.2 |
Friends | 3 | 1.4 |
Others | 1 | 0.5 |
How frequently is oral hygiene education given in the school? | ||
Daily | 31 | 18.0 |
Weekly | 33 | 19.2 |
Monthly | 32 | 18.6 |
Yearly | 76 | 44.2 |