KNOWLEDGE AND OPINIONS OF A POPULATION REGARDING ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF ORAL HYGIENE IN EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The biofilm is a major etiological factor of dental caries and periodontal diseases. One of the attempts to keep the needy population under biofilm control is to encourage the use of alternative methods of oral hygiene, when there is no access to existing traditional ways. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and belief of the Anápolis population about alternative methods of oral hygiene during extension activities promoted in the city of Anápolis-GO. During five public extension events, workshops about alternative methods of oral hygiene were offered in order to show the population how to make home-toothbrush with loofah and dental floss with orange bag or plastic bag. At the end of each workshop, the public was invited to answer a questionnaire containing five questions on the subject. In total, 305 questionnaires were completed, the data were analyzed and the results were presented in graph form. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the majority of this population (84%) had never heard of these methods and only 3% already knew. Most of the population (91.7%) considered easy making of these methods. Regarding the effectiveness of these methods, 56% believe that these are effective in the same way as conventional methods, 28% believe these are more effective and 16% found that do not. In the absence of conventional means of oral hygiene, 97% reported that they would use alternative methods. It was concluded that few knew about alternative methods. There was acceptance on the part of the majority of the population and the appliances were considered easy to manufacture. The population is willing to use the loofah and floss as an alternative method of oral hygiene in the absence of the traditional means of hygiene, pointing awareness in relation to the maintenance of their oral health.