Abstract

Background: Dental caries and periodontal disease are significant public health problems worldwide. Previous research has shown that dental practices and behaviors, such as brushing and flossing frequency, sugary drink consumption, and dental visits, are key factors in preventing these oral diseases. However, little is known about the relationships between these factors and oral health outcomes in the community.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between dental practices and behaviors and oral health outcomes in a India community. A total of 233 adults aged 18 years and older completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their oral hygiene habits, sugary drink consumption, dental visits, and oral health outcomes, including dental caries and periodontal disease.

Results: Participants who reported brushing less than twice a day were more likely to have dental caries, while those who reported flossing less than daily were more likely to have both dental caries and periodontal disease. Sugary drink consumption was also associated with dental caries. However, we did not find a significant association between dental visits and either dental caries or periodontal disease.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dental practices and behaviors are important predictors of oral health outcomes in the community. Public health interventions that aim to promote good oral hygiene habits and reduce sugar consumption may be effective in preventing dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental visits alone may not be sufficient to prevent these oral diseases, and a comprehensive approach that includes promoting good oral hygiene habits and reducing sugar consumption may be needed. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate other potential factors that may influence oral health outcomes in the community.
 

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