Oral health status; very low income strata of population

ABSTRACT

Oral health, although an important aspect of the general health, unfortunately is an ignored aspect, by almost all population strata. Poverty, lack of education and lack of public awareness programs add to the dilemma. Evaluation of the oral health, tooth cleaning devices and at the top, awareness about such devices, among the most ignored and deprived group of population. The evaluation of oral hygiene of the poor railway coolies, was the objective of this study. A very simple proforma in Urdu was designed. It included some questions about personal data, tooth cleaning habits, the devices used for the purpose and the reasons for not using the tooth brush. DMFT and the periodontal conditions were then noted in the same proforma. About 120 coolies agreed to participate in the study. Examination was made in day light with a mirror and a blunt probe. The age varied from 15-60 years. There was about 100% periodontal involvements, while DMFT increased with age [0.75 to 12.5]. About 49.5% used brush, 41.5% miswak, 5.3% tooth powder, while 3.5% did not use any of these. Tooth brush users had least DMFT while powder users had the maximum. Of the non brush users 50.9% of people could not buy brush, 33.9% did not like it while 15.09% were ignorant of it. Poverty, illiteracy and lack of dental awareness are the major causes of dental / periodontal problems. The tooth brushing techniques must be taught to the public