Abstract

A SURVEY ON ORAL HYGIENE AND ORAL CANCER AWARENESS

*Chandini Ravikumar and Dr. Abilasha Ramasubramanian

ABSTRACT

Objective: The main objective of this study is to bring about awareness and take into account the general oral hygiene habits of people and their knowledge on various factors that lead to oral cancer. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 100 people with the majority being males. A questionnaire consisting of 24 questions were distributed to each of the 100 and asked about their oral health and their opinion about oral cancer. Results: A majority of participants (more than 70%) had followed proper oral hygiene instructions and were also clearly aware on the factors that led to oral cancer. Although people do have the knowledge of oral cancer and its causes, a portion of the population still tend to overlook them and continue consuming alcohol and tobacco based products. Conclusion: In our study, most adults are aware of oral hygiene and practices. But although people do have the knowledge of oral cancer and its causes, a portion of the population still tend to overlook them and continue consuming alcohol and tobacco based products, which lead to several dental diseases.

Keywords: Oral hygiene, oral cancer, tobacco, alcohol and smoking habits.