European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AND PERIODONTAL STATUS AMONGST TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS VISITING DOT CENTER, NEW DELHI: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Kriti Nigam, Mr. Vikas Jain*, Dr. Kriti Garg, Mr. Vikas Panibatla, Mr. Khasim Sayyad, Dr. Anitha S. Pillai

ABSTRACT

Background: There are evidence state that periodontitis may have contribution in onset and progression of tuberculosis disease. However, there are very limited data available till date. This study aims to asses oral hygiene practices and periodontal status amongst tuberculosis patients. Oral health problem of tuberculosis patients are lacking amongst patients and dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted. Total 337 participants were surveyed, in four DOT center facilitated by TB Alert India (New Delhi).Responses to the questionnaire using Google form was filled in the center itself using convenience sampling. Data on socio-demographic characters, Site of diseases and treatment regimen and Oral Hygiene practices was collected. Results: Number of subjects in age group 21-30 years are maximum with 38.90%. In view of educational background majority of participants are high school or less. Approximately 68.50% are unemployed. 97.60% participant’s uses toothbrush and toothpaste as cleaning aids. Further 75.10% participants brushed once daily. Tongue cleaning is important for oral cavity and 55.80% participants clean their tongue. The association of age group and gender has been found with tongue cleaning (P-0.003). Surprisingly only 36.20% participants have visited dentist once in their life time. Conclusion: Medication side effects and poor oral hygiene habits create gingivitis, which further damages the tissues inside the socket and results in periodontitis. Age and education are important factors in preserving oral health. The findings indicated the need to raise knowledge about good oral hygiene and prevention. To promote individual and societal health, there is a need to disseminate information and implement applicable public health interventions. Integration of dental knowledge with other elements of health is crucial.

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