Knowledge, perceptions and practices about tooth brush sterilization among dental students and faculty in Andhra pradesh, South India - A Cross sectional study

• Published in: The journal of the Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 296 - 301
• Main Authors: Vandana, Kuna, Raju, S, Kumar, D, Babu, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-10-2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: contamination; disinfection knowledge; Health aspects; Infection control; perceptions; professionals; Students; Surveys; Toiletries industry; Toothbrushes; Toothbrushing; India; disinfection knowledge; perceptions; Contamination; professionals
• ISSN: 2319-5932; 2350-0484
• DOI: 10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_123_19

Background: Toothbrush is habitually used as an oral hygiene aid to maintain good oral health. The contamination of toothbrushes leads to oral and systemic diseases. Awareness on toothbrush disinfection is essential for oral health-care professionals in order to educate people. Aim: The aim was to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices about toothbrush storage, contamination, and disinfection among dental professionals in Andhra Pradesh, South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 450 oral health professionals categorized into three groups (faculty, postgraduates, and interns) in Andhra Pradesh. The statistics were computed with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 22. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the P value denoted by (*) is considered as statistically significant, frequency of brushing, change of toothbrush, storage of toothbrush and knowledge on toothbrush disinfection (P value is 0.01), whereas knowledge on toothbrush contamination (P value is 0.04). P value denoted by (**) is considered as statistically highly significant. A highly statistical significance was noticed pertaining to the factors on type of toothpaste,reason behind change of toothbrush,contact between toothbrushes during storage and sharing of toothpaste with family members ( P value is <0.001). Conclusion: The study conclude that there were varied opinions regarding the toothbrush contamination and disinfection among faculty, postgraduates, and interns which might be attributed to the difference in academic knowledge, exposure to a wide range of information, and clinical experience over the years between the groups.