Evaluating dental awareness and periodontal health status in different socioeconomic groups in the population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
BACKGROUND
Survey.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate dental awareness and periodontal health status in different socioeconomic groups in the population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 patients with different socioeconomic status who visited Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, and Dental OPD of the Civil Hospital, Sundernagar. Mouth mirror, CPI probe, and illuminated light source were used for examination. Periodontal health status was recorded using CPI index. Information about their lifestyle, education level, and socioeconomic status was recorded using a questionnaire and correlated with the periodontal status.


METHODS
Chi-square test.


RESULTS
Majority of the subjects used toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth once daily. Lower socioeconomic groups exhibited higher CPI scores characterized by bleeding gums and calculus deposition. The differences were statistically significant across various social strata (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The utilization of the questionnaire on dental awareness facilitates the inclusion of multiple aspects of patient information. The study revealed that oral hygiene awareness and periodontal condition were significantly associated with socioeconomic status. The socioeconomic status and oral hygiene practices were significantly associated with CPI (P < 0.01).
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
D K
DK
Gautam
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
J
J
Vikas
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
T
T
Amrinder
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
T
T
Rambhika
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
K
K
Bhanu
Community periodontal index; dental awareness; periodontal disease; socioeconomic status