Özet:

INTRODUCTION: There are numerous types of electric toothbrushes available commercially, which are proven to be effective in improving plaque control and improving oral hygiene. Many studies have shown electric toothbrushes to be better than manual toothbrushes in removing plaque and maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper information, attitude, and practises of electric toothbrushes may lower the incidence of caries, periodontal infections, and indirectly lessen the burden of oral disease on the growing economy. The purpose of this study was to determine dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the usage of electric toothbrushes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was done among the dental students of Saveetha Dental College, Chennai to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the use of electric toothbrushes. A 10 point validated questionnaire was prepared in the English language and circulated through an online link. The sample size was 100. The data was collected and were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software. The descriptive data obtained were plotted in bar graphs. The Chi-Square test was done to find the difference in the knowledge between students of different years of study with a p value of 0.05 set as statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study, 77.8% of the participants did not use an electric toothbrush while only 22.2% of the students had used an electric toothbrush.72.7% dental students don’t recommend using an electric toothbrush to their patients and only 27.3% of them recommended using electric toothbrush to their patients. Undergraduate students had significantly more awareness regarding the greater efficacy of electric toothbrushing in removing plaque in both primary and permanent dentition with p value of 0.001. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that most students were aware of electric toothbrushes. However, dentists should work to promote patient understanding and awareness on the usage of electric toothbrushes in order to improve plaque control and oral health.

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