ABSTRACT
This study aims to evaluate, through a questionnaire, general public awareness preference regarding mouth wash and their perceptions of the importance of self-care to control the disease. Methods: General public completed a 20-item questionnaire that aimed to assess the following: their profile, knowledge, and awareness of the mouthwash, preferences on mouthwashes in terms of their constituent ingredients, short- and long-term side effects, and their attitude towards the use of mouthwashes as plaque control agents. Data tabulation and the frequency distribution using tables and graphics were done. Results: The data showed that 134 participants answered the google form, out of which 56% of participants did not use mouthwash, and 64% gave reasons why it was unnecessary to do so. While another 14.7% were unaware that mouthwash is an adjunct in aiding oral hygiene, and 15% of participants said they did not have enough time to use it. The remaining justifications included difficulty in mouth washing and finding it costly. Conclusion: We conclude with this questionnaire-based survey during the pandemic COVID-19 regarding the public perception and preference of mouth wash, the general public becomes motivated to promote self-care when the dentist promotes proper instruction. The present study throws light on the fact that widespread usages of herbal products now need to be advocated and prescribed. Hence more evidence pertaining to the usage of herbal product needs to done with a greater number of clinical and randomized control trials on a larger scale to continue their development and usage at grassroots level. Copyright©2022 by authors, all rights reserved.