Evaluating Oral Hygiene Practices and Periodontal Health Awareness among Bus Drivers: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Awareness of the importance of oral hygiene practices and the effect of periodontal disease on systemic health remains low among high-risk occupational groups. Bus drivers, due to long working hours, irregular routines, and limited time for personal care, are especially vulnerable. This study aimed to assess oral hygiene practices and awareness of periodontal health among bus drivers in Coimbatore city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 236 male bus drivers over 3 months from March 1, 2025, to May 31, 2025. The participants were recruited from across multiple bus terminals in and around the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The questionnaire included demographic details, oral hygiene practices, tobacco and alcohol use, self-reported periodontal symptoms, and awareness about periodontal disease prevention and its systemic associations. Results: Most participants (72%) were aged 26–50 years. Tobacco use was high (79.7%), and 47% reported alcohol consumption. Over half (53.4%) had systemic illnesses such as cardiac conditions and diabetes. Although 94.1% brushed once daily, only 5.5% brushed twice, and 1.3% used mouthwash. Symptoms such as bleeding gums (11.9%) and bad breath (8.1%) were reported. Awareness was critically low: 97.5% lacked knowledge of gingival health, 98.3% were unaware of its preventability, and 99.2% did not recognize systemic associations. About 44.9% never visited a dentist, and 97% were unaware of occupational risks. Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that there is a substantial lack of awareness and preventive practices regarding periodontal health and disease among bus drivers in Coimbatore.