Public Perception and Practices Regarding Oral Hygiene Aids: A Cross-sectional Study

IntroductIonThe oral cavity is the "mirror" of the human body.It reflects the overall health and well-being of an individual.Oral and systemic health has a bidirectional relationship, which has been well studied and supported in the literature. 1,2Hence, maintenance of good oral health remains crucial for the general health of a person.Oral health is a state of being free from various oral diseases.It is multifaceted and complex, involving physical, psychological, and social elements that enable the person to speak, smile, eat, and interact confidently without pain or discomfort. 3Dietary habits, smoking, alcohol, use of tobacco, poor oral hygiene, and stress are some of the frequently identified causative factors for many oral diseases. 4,5Strict adherence to oral hygiene practice ensures effective removal of dental plaque, a major etiological agent implicated in various oral diseases, thus promoting a healthy oral environment.Adequate oral hygiene can be achieved by using appropriate oral hygiene products.These products are intended for the purpose of cleansing the oral cavity and imparting freshness of breath. 6,7Countless oral hygiene products are commercially available in the market.Of these, the commonly used products include toothpaste (dentifrices), toothbrushes, floss, interdental brushes, and mouthwashes.