Illusions of a Common Man in Dental Perspective: A Time for Eradication

ABSTRACT

Aim To assess the most common myths prevailing in the society and the reason behind the innocent beliefs. To compare the dental myths in population with various educational backgrounds and in medical graduates. To formulate the steps and educate the common man to come into the limelight for maintenance of oral health for better overall health. Methodology A total of 194 individuals aged above 18 years were randomly included in the study and their response to the given questionnaire was obtained and analysed statistically by using SPSS version 21. Results Most of the individuals believe that root canal treatment is a painful procedure (59.3%), whereas 56.2% believe that dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy. 54.6% gave a positive response that worms cause tooth decay. 54.4% of the respondents believe that children do not need cleaning of the milk teeth, whereas 42.3% thought that diseased milk teeth don't need any treatment. More than 40% of the subjects believe extraction of the upper tooth affects vision and application of Zandu Balm or hot fermentation reduces swelling. Conclusion Some of the dental myths are still persisting in all the participants of various educational backgrounds and even in medical respondents.