Exploring Gender-Based Differences in Oral Hygiene Awareness and Practices Among Patients at Watim Dental College, Rawalpindi

Background: For oral diseases, hygiene is essential. Clinicians studied gender-based oral health awareness and practices. Recognizing differences improves oral health and guides actions. Objective: This study investigated gender differences in oral hygiene awareness and habits within the targeted study population sample. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting Watim Dental College, Rawalpindi. The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software, and participants were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on oral hygiene awareness and practices across both genders. The questionnaire included items related to brushing habits, use of adjunctive hygiene aids, dental visit frequency, and knowledge of common oral diseases. Data entry and analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to assess gender-based differences in oral health awareness and behaviors. Results: The study included 385 patients, with a mean age of 32.02±16.11 and a gender distribution of 38.18% male and 61.82% female. Most patients (95.32%) brush and use toothpaste (90.13%). patients brush twice a day (50.64%) and use toothpicks (33.50%) or none (31.94%). Many (62.33%) brush their tongue and know the importance of oral hygiene (76.88%). Many patients visit dentist only when they have a problem (75.84%). Comparative gender analysis shows considerable oral hygiene knowledge and practice variations. Compared to males, females have higher education levels (p <.001), participate in more cleaning behaviors (p <0.001), brush more regularly (p 0.04), clean their tongue (p <0.001), and have higher knowledge (p <0.001) and perception of oral hygiene (p <0.03). Halitosis (p 0.60), visits (p 0.42), and interdental cleaners (p=0.65) were similar. Conclusion: Females exhibit more favorable oral hygiene and practices as compared to males. Oral health interventions to bridge existing gaps and promote better overall oral hygiene.