Dental care [prevention and status] among family practice patients at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To study the status of oral hygiene and preventive dental practices among family practice patients at a teaching hospital in Karachi. A cross sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Family Practice Center, Karachi, Pakistan, from July to October 2010. The questionnaire included the demographic profile and questions in line with the study objective. It was administered to 400 family practice patients, each participant was explained the study objective, a written consent was taken and full confidentiality was assured. Oral examination of all respondents was conducted by the Investigators. Out of 400 patients 258 [64.5%] respondents were female with 248 [62%] having graduation or higher education. The oral examination revealed plaque, previous extraction, restoration, stains, prosthesis and caries among 138 [34.5%], 114 [28.5%], 102 [25.5%], 38 [9.5%], 35 [8.8%] and 33 [8.3%] respondents respectively. Regular tooth brushing was practiced by 359 [89.8%] respondents. Sixty eight [17%] respondents were reluctant to consult a dentist. Reasons for reluctance were fear of pain, lack of sterilization of instruments, incorrect treatment, expense and a long waiting time to see the dentist in 32 [47%], 14 [20%], 10 [15%], 06 [09%] and 06 [09%] respondents respectively. Fifty five [13.8%] respondents visited the dentist on a yearly basis. The most common reason to visit a dentist was pain among 71 [17.8%] respectively. A need exists to educate public on oral hygiene care through education programs in schools and media. Preventive dental care is a neglected area that requires attention on an urgent basis