ABSTRACT

Myths have a strong influence in seeking treatment during illness. Understanding the myths and misconceptions about the disease is important in providing dental care. Not many studies had been done and not much data is available related to this subject. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of myths regarding oral health, among out-patients attending a dental institute in Chennai. This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. A close-ended questionnaire containing 21 questions related to the common myths in dentistry was shared among the patients attending the out-patient department using Google forms. The data collection was done during the month of January 2020. The obtained data were tabulated and processed using SPSS Software. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used to assess the responses for the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of myths regarding dental caries were 74.3%, oral hygiene were 67.5%, oral cancer were 55.6% and general dental aspects were 59.7%. A higher percentage of males (65%) believed the myth on dental treatment during pregnancy, higher percentage of adolescents (66%) believed chocolates only caused cavities, while a majority of early (53%) and middle adulthood (49%) groups knew it was a myth. A higher percentage of unemployed respondents (60.8%) believed that having a little smoke or chewing tobacco at times wouldn't harm them. Within the limitations of the present study, there is a higher percentage of the population who still believes in myths related to dentistry. The myths were more common among people who were not graduates and also belonging to late adulthood and even adolescents. Key words: Dental Myths, Oral health, Beliefs.
Publication date: 01/08/2021

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/August/MS_IJBPAS_2021_AUG_SPCL_1038.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.8.1038