PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND UTILIZATION OF INTERDENTALAIDS AMONG PATIENTS AT A GOVERNMENT DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL IN AHMEDABAD: A CROSS-SECTIONALANALYSIS

Background: Oral health is integral to overall health, with the oral cavity serving as a reection of general well-being. Effective oral hygiene practices, including the use of interdental aids, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. This study aimed to assess the perception and usage of interdental aids among patients at Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted involving 500 participants. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires in English and Gujarati, assessing oral hygiene practices, awareness of interdental aids, and demographic information. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with signicance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority (75%) of participants used toothbrushes and toothpaste for oral hygiene, with only 34% employing interdental aids. Awareness of interdental aids was found to be higher among patients undergoing treatment (80%) compared to those in the outpatient department (68%). Educational level signicantly inuenced awareness, with higher percentages among participants with a bachelor's degree or higher (70%). Conclusion: The study highlights inadequate awareness and usage of interdental aids among patients at Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. Patients receiving treatment demonstrated better awareness, underscoring the role of healthcare providers in promoting oral hygiene education. These ndings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions to improve oral health practices, particularly regarding interdental aid usage.