Knowledge, Perception, and Practice of Oral Hygiene Among Undergraduates in a Private University in Ogun State

Background: Oral hygiene practices among undergraduate students are vital for overall health and well-being. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and practices of oral hygiene among undergraduate students at Babcock University, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 406 undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through a multistage sampling technique, and data were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Scores were calculated to determine knowledge, perception, and practice of oral hygiene. Results: The findings reveal varying levels of oral hygiene understanding among undergraduate students. Specifically, 40.9% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, while 59.1% exhibited gaps in understanding. In terms of perception, 67% of students showed favorable attitudes towards oral hygiene practices, while 33% had misconceptions or negative perceptions. Regarding practices, 56.9% of participants reported implementing recommended oral hygiene behaviors regularly, while 43.1% demonstrated inconsistent or inadequate practices. Conclusion: The study highlights both positive and concerning findings regarding undergraduate students’ knowledge, perception, and practices of oral hygiene. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote consistent oral hygiene practices among this population, ultimately improving oral health outcomes and overall well-being.