ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the perceptions and knowledge on tooth bleaching among general public in 5 different areas in Riyadh, KSA
Method: We assessed a population sample of 300 individuals aged between 15 and 65 years old resident in Riyadh region [2016]. We used frequency distribution and Chi-square test to investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and knowledge/use of bleaching products
Results: The sample is consisted of 66.7% of males and 33.3% of females. 83.3% of the respondents reported knowing bleaching products and advertisements seemed to be the most popular source of information [65.2%]. However only 53.1% reported using bleaching products. Most respondents tried using bleaching products at home [86%], while only 9% undergone tooth bleaching treatment in dental clinics. The commonest reason reported for bleaching was to improve esthetics [66.7%]. Data analysis showed that knowledge of bleaching in Riyadh City is not related to gender, nationality, education and occupation [p >0.05]
Conclusion: Large majority of patients were not happy with the appearance of their teeth, the main complaint being the color. Most of the patients knew that bleaching is a treatment option to improve dental aesthetics, and those who knew only half tried the treatment. More efforts are needed by the dental professions