Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Tooth Brushing Practice and its Determinants among Adults Attending Dental Health Institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Miraf Dechssa, Amsale Cherie, Belaynhe Luelseged

Introduction: Dental health problems are becoming priority public health problems throughout the globe. Primary prevention through tooth brushing is vital in addressing dental problems. Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess the tooth brushing practice and its determinants among adults attending dental clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Across sectional study was conducted at 8 randomly selected dental health institutions to collect data from 384 adults attending dental services in Addis Ababa. Data were collected by interviewer administered pretested questionnaire. Logistic-regression was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 384 respondents participated in the study. Only 89(28.8%) respondents knew the correct way of tooth brushing, 201(52.3%) perceived dental health is less important than other medical issues and 176(45.8%) respondents had a belief using toothpaste and tooth brush causes bad mouth breath. Seventy five (22.3%) respondents brush their teeth twice a day, 39(11.6%) brushed their teeth for two or more minutes and 12.4% flossed their teeth regularly. Respondents who had correct knowledge about tooth brushing and had positive feeling about tooth brushing were 8.32 (4.19-16.58) and 2.32 (1.37-4.61) times more likely to have correct tooth brushing practice respectively. Furthermore, respondents with secondary and above education had better tooth brushing practice compared to their counterparts 0.67(0.21-0.89). Conclusion: The practice of correct tooth brushing is low among study participants. Dental health education is recommended on the frequency, timing and techniques of tooth brushing.