Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the perception and awareness of interdental aids in different regions of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted, in order to evaluate the perception and knowledge of patients towards oral hygiene products among the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In total, 812 out of 1124 participants responded and completed the survey (response rate 72.2%). The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. p < 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.
Results: A total of 812 participants responded, of which 486 participants (60%) declared using a toothpaste and toothbrush for cleaning their teeth. The cohort consisted of 274 (34%) females who brushed twice daily, while 96 (33%) males brushed their teeth once a day and 18% of the participants did not even brush once a day. The results indicated that 332 (64%) female participants and 174 (60%) male participants had perception and knowledge of the use of dental floss or any other device to clean between their teeth, while 174 (48.50%) male participants and 174 (49.10%) female participants cleaned their tongue with the same brush, rather than using a tongue scrubber or any other aids.
Conclusion: The total awareness of interdental aids in Saudi Arabia is unsatisfactory, as demonstrated by the participants not being conscious or informed about the maintenance of their oral health. A majority of participants did not report adopting basic techniques, such as tongue brushing. This study reveals that no interdental aids were used by 16% of the participants. Thus, it is crucial to develop an effective educational program which emphasizes oral healthcare in this population.
Keywords: dental floss; oral hygiene aids; tongue brushing.