Table 1 Frequencies (n), percentages (%) and 95% confidence intervals of correct responses to oral health knowledge questions (N = 440)
Oral health knowledge | n | % | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Enamel is the inner layer of teeth. | 134 | 30.5 | 26.4–34.8 |
2. Excessive intake of carbonated and acidic beverages lead to erosion of enamel. | 310 | 70.5 | 66.6–74.8 |
3. The pulp contains blood vessels that helps nutrition of teeth. | 311 | 70.7 | 66.6–74.8 |
4. Untreated pulp inflammation leads to abscess formation. | 398 | 90.5 | 87.7–93 |
5. Children teeth are called deciduous and they are 24 teeth. | 109 | 24.8 | 20.5–28.9 |
6. Adult teeth are called permanent and they are 32 excluding wisdom teeth. | 218 | 49.5 | 44.8–54.3 |
7. Improper use of toothpicks may lead to gingival recession. | 355 | 80.7 | 77.1–84.3 |
8. Gingival recession is a main cause of hypersensitivity. | 329 | 74.8 | 70.5–79.1 |
9. Sticky sugars e.g. Toffee can cause tooth decay more than fluid sugars like juice. | 419 | 95.2 | 93.2–97 |
10. Children who sleep immediately after drinking sugary fluids are more prone to high caries rates. | 391 | 88.9 | 85.5–91.6 |
11. Presence of Fluoride in drinking water and toothpastes can cause an increase in bony fractures. | 162 | 36.8 | 32.3–41.4 |
12. Fluoride doesn’t protect from tooth decay. | 176 | 40 | 35.2–44.5 |
13. Dental abscess is caused by bacteria and leaving it untreated may lead to serious complications. | 379 | 86.1 | 82.7–89.3 |
14. Dental abscess could be formed in the gingiva or jaw bones. | 356 | 80.9 | 77.3–84.8 |
15. Dental plaque is a sticky substance produced by bacteria on teeth surfaces and bacteria reproduce in it. | 302 | 68.6 | 64.3–72.7 |
16. Proper tooth brushing doesn’t help removing plaque. | 199 | 45.2 | 40.7–49.8 |
17. Smoking is one cause of halitosis. | 403 | 91.6 | 88.6–94.1 |
18. Tooth brushing is one method of preventing halitosis. | 420 | 95.5 | 93.4–97.3 |
19. Caries may lead to pulpal inflammation. | 426 | 96.8 | 95-98.4 |
20. Sometimes caries is invisible and may lead to tooth fracture. | 402 | 91.4 | 88.6–93.9 |
21. Orthodontics is treatment of misaligned teeth. | 406 | 92.3 | 89.8–94.5 |
22. Orthodontic treatment in pre-pubertal stage often gives best results. | 322 | 73.2 | 69.1–77.3 |
23. Extraction is the best solution to get rid of toothache. | 285 | 64.8 | 60.2–69.3 |
24. Early extraction of children teeth is one cause of misaligned teeth. | 289 | 65.7 | 61.4–70.5 |
25. Dental floss helps cleaning tight areas in-between teeth. | 335 | 76.1 | 71.8–80.2 |
26. It is preferred to use waxed dental floss because it prevents gingival injury. | 282 | 64.1 | 59.8–68.6 |
27. Using other person’s toothbrush can transmit infection. | 430 | 97.7 | 96.1–99.1 |
28. Hard toothbrushes are better than soft ones. | 240 | 54.5 | 49.8–59.3 |
29. Using analgesics without prescription may lead to gastric ulcer. | 406 | 92.3 | 89.8–94.8 |
30. Antibiotics can be used to relief pain. | 210 | 47.7 | 43-52.5 |