Oral Hygiene Practices in Patients Attending Psychiatric Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background and objectives: To determine the current oral hygiene awareness and practices among the general patients and
to highlight the importance of oral health education and promotion in Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore.
Methods: An observational descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on general patients attending the outpatient
department of Fatima Memorial Medical and Dental Hospital. After an informed consent, the validated WHO form19 were
distributed among the patients followed by oral health education and promotion. Data was collected, summarized and analyzed
using SPSS version 23.
Results: In the present survey, 21% of the individuals visited the dentist in the past 12 months among them the main reason i.e.
78% was pain or other dental issue. Whereas only 22% went for routine dental check-up out of the 21% who went to a dentist.
Whereas 55% of the individuals were inclined to regular brushing; however their diet included diet rich in refined carbohydrates
and sugars.
Conclusion: Oral health promotion is an integral aspect of Dental Public Health. There is immense need for its advocacy. The
cycle doesn’t complete with the treatment only. It should be a regular part of every appointment when we have the opportunity
to communicate. It increases the understanding and develops interest of the patient for oral health. This shall pertain to FMH
environment as well, including the students and all other working faculty.