Awareness On Dental Caries Among General Population - A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse awareness on dental caries among the general population.
Background: A deterioration of the tooth enamel causes dental caries or cavities, more commonly known as tooth decay. This breakdown is caused by bacteria on the teeth breaking down foods and producing acid, which kills tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.
Methods: The study consists of an online survey comprising self prepared questionnaires. The study is based on a cross sectional survey and the participants were selected by simple random sampling. The data collected are the results were tabulated using pie charts and bar graphs.
Results: Nearly 95% of the general population were aware of the causes of dental caries and have some knowledge on the preventive measures of dental caries. Almost 30% were not aware of the fluoride gels and its advantageous effect on teeth. Both males and females have responded that all the measures are to be followed. The present study shows that males(25.96%) were more aware of the disease, causes and its preventive measures. Pearson chi square test shows p value is 0.003 (p<0.05) and thus it is statistically significant. In our study, 51.92% of males and only 18.27% of females were aware that dental caries cause tooth sensitivity. Pearson chi square test shows p value is 0.004 (p<0.05) and thus it is statistically significant.
Conclusion: It is concluded that males were more aware about dental caries than females. It is necessary to educate the general population through dental camps/ awareness programmes on the prevalence, treatment and management of Dental Caries.