Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental interns, house-staff, post graduates, and faculty of dental colleges in Kolkata city toward toothbrush maintenance and disinfection: A questionnaire study

Abstract

Background: Toothbrush is essential for removing dental biofilm and preventing dental caries and periodontal disease. Toothbrushes become contaminated after repeated use, so disinfection is necessary for tooth brush maintenance. It is critical that dentists should have a current understanding and perception of toothbrush contamination and disinfection. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among the dental interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of the dental colleges in Kolkata city regarding toothbrush maintenance and disinfection. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of dental colleges in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The data on oral health knowledge attitude practice (KAP) were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was evaluated in the form of frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 138 participants responded to the survey. Knowledge regarding toothbrush disinfection was found to be in 84% of the participants with maximum in house staff with 75%. Majority of the participants will prefer chlorhexidine as solution of disinfecting the toothbrush. Ninety-seven percent of the participants think that the toothbrush disinfection is necessary for everybody. Conclusion: The majority of interns surveyed had no idea how to keep their toothbrushes clean. Despite being aware of the issue, some participants did not disinfect their toothbrushes. Education on how to use and maintain a toothbrush effectively would help to improve the KAP for toothbrush maintenance and disinfection.