ASSESSMENT OF BODY MASS INDEX, ORAL HYGIENE HABITS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS - A SURVEY

Abstract Background: Obesity has a well-established effect on people's oral health, as well as on Dental treatment regimens. It should be the aim of Dental curriculum to educate their patients and students about diet counselling and good oral hygiene practices in order to maintain healthy lifestyle. Hence the aim of the study is to assess oral hygiene practices, physical activity, dietary habits and the BMI status among Dental students at Sharda University. Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted at Sharda University among first year Dental students. Students were grouped according to Asian classification of body mass index (BMI) of World health organization (WHO). The questionnaire was close ended with one appropriate response. The collected data was analyzed using Chi‑square test and p-value < 0.05 were considered significant. Result: Majority (76.7%) of participants belonged to normal BMI group and had a regular Dental visit in 6 months. About (44.4%) used scrubbing tooth brushing technique, whereas there was no usage of mouthwash among (33.3%) and no usage of floss among (71.1%) participants. Junk foods were found to be most consumed snacks among the study population. More than half (58.9%) of the participants did not have regular physical workouts and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Dental students should be educated regarding importance of normal BMI status and oral health maintenance from the initial years of their career so that they can guide their patients for healthy lifestyle.