ORAL HEALTH
WHAT IS ORAL HEALTH IN LAYMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2018.25.05.308Keywords:
Oral Health, Oral hygiene, Oral diseases, Awareness of oral health, Perceptions, DentistryAbstract
Introduction: Oral health is considered as being free from any kind of oral
disease. Objectives: To explore the LAYMAN’S PERSPECTIVE regarding oral health, his
awareness about oral diseases. To examine their attitude and beliefs regarding the maintenance
of oral health. Study Design: We conducted mixed study on educated and uneducated people.
Study Period: 01 May, 2016 to 01 May, 2017 Study Place: Punjab dental hospital, Lahore.
Material & Methods: Qualitative method was used to collect knowledge and perspective of
uneducated people. Quantitative method was used to collect data from educated people. We
interviewed uneducated people in differenst places of Lahore and questionnaires were filled by
educated people. Results: 58% of educated people and majority of uneducated people think
they should visit dentist only at the time of need. 73% educated people said bleeding gums
are indicative of oral disease, while majority of uneducated people said it does not indicate
oral disease. Educated people were somewhat more aware of oral health and oral disease
while uneducated people were unaware of even maintenance of oral health and its importance.
Conclusion: Education makes the difference. Educated people have more awareness about
oral health. Still awareness is needed a lot.
