Oral Health Status, Awareness, and Hygiene Practices among Medical and Nursing Students

Abstract

ntroduction: Oral health is a vital component of overall health and well-being, yet it remains one of the most neglected aspects of preventive healthcare in India. Poor oral hygiene practices contribute significantly to dental caries, periodontal disease, and systemic health risks. This study aims to evaluate oral health status, oral hygiene practices, and oral health awareness among undergraduate healthcare trainees in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
Results: Among 386 participants, 98.96% recognized the link between oral and systemic health, and 85.23% demonstrated a positive oral health attitude (OHVS score >36). Overall, 67.1% brushed twice daily, 73.1% used soft-bristled toothbrushes, 73.3% used fluoride toothpaste, and 94.8% practiced daily tongue cleaning. However, 34.9% never flossed, 31.9% did not use any interdental cleaning aid, and 33.9% had never visited a dentist. B.Sc. Nursing students exhibited significantly better oral hygiene practices than MBBS students across most practice indicators. Female students demonstrated superior oral hygiene behaviors, including twice-daily brushing (72.4% vs. 46.2%) and use of soft toothbrushes (77.3% vs. 56.4%), whereas tobacco use (6.4% vs. 1.0%) and alcohol consumption (9.0% vs. 0.6%) were significantly higher among males (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Undergraduate medical and nursing students in Rajnandgaon showed satisfactory oral health knowledge and predominantly positive attitudes (85.23% positive OHVS score), with favorable practices including twice-daily brushing (67.1%), near-universal toothbrush use (98.96%), and regular tongue cleaning (94.82%). However, key gaps persisted: 34.97% never flossed, only 14.8% used interdental aids, 17.88% were unsure of their toothpaste's fluoride content, and 33.94% had never visited a dentist. B.Sc. Nursing students outperformed MBBS students on nine of ten practice variables, and females outperformed males across all domains, while males showed higher tobacco (6.4% vs. 1.0%) and alcohol use (9.0% vs. 0.6%). These findings highlight the need for structured, skills-based oral health education and routine dental screening within undergraduate curricula to close the knowledge-practice gap and prepare future providers as effective preventive health advocates.