KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING DENTAL FLOSS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic infections now afflicting humanity. Despite the fact that many diseases are avoidable, their prevalence is on the rise around the world. In underdeveloped countries, the prevalence of periodontal disorders is higher. It has been discovered that using dental floss on a regular basis not only prevents periodontal disease but also reduces the risk of other systemic inflammatory disease, thus its relevance must be emphasised. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Online survey containing the questionnaire was sent to 100 undergraduate dental students. Results were tabulated and analysed. Pie charts and bar graphs were used to represent the data obtained. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In this current study it was found out that students were well aware about the different types of floss used as 63% responded saying all three ergonomic floss, specialised plastic wand and regular floss. A question based on attitude was asked to the students about the rules of dental flossing for which students had to choose the wrong option out of the following rules, 36% believed the option "always apply pressure on gums" to be the inexact rule out of the following. CONCLUSION: Upon analysing the results obtained, it was concluded that dental students hold a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding the practice of flossing. It can be increased by case based scenarios and visual aids.