ORAL HYGIENE MEASURES IN THE WORK OF DENTISTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Abstract

Formulation of the problem. Rational oral hygiene is an important component of the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The aim. To analyse the results of a questionnaire survey of dentists about some aspects of their work on the diagnosis of dental caries and periodontal diseases, as well as to determine the hygienic status of the oral cavity of patients and provide them with appropriate hygienic recommendations. Materials and methods. According to the developed questionnaire, which contained 10 questions with a selective form of answers, 36 dentists working in private health care facilities in Kyiv were interviewed. The results of the survey were presented in absolute and relative values. Results. Carious lesions on the contact surfaces of teeth and inflammatory periodontal disease are diagnosed daily by 19 (52,8%) and 17 dentists (47,2%) surveyed, respectively. Patients visit 17 (47,2%) and 19 (52,8%) dentists with such problems several times a week. Only 11 dentists (30,6%) assess the hygienic state of the oral cavity during their work, while 25 dentists (69,4%) do not. Occupational hygiene measures are performed daily by 6 dentists (16,7%), and several times a week by 30 dentists (83,3%). All 36 dentists surveyed (100%) advise patients to use toothbrushes and toothpastes for good oral hygiene, 19 dentists (52,8%) also encourage patients to use mouthwash. To maintain interdental hygiene, 33 dentists (91,7%) recommend flossing, 25 dentists (69,4%) recommend interdental brushes, 31 dentists (86,1%) recommend irrigators, and only 1 dentist (2,8%) recommends toothpicks. Conclusions. Dentists in private practice pay sufficient attention to the measures of rational oral hygiene, but there is a need to increase their awareness of modern and effective hygiene measures and develop individualised recommendations.