Aim: To identify the oral health behavior and factors influencing the selection of oral hygiene products by the adolescent tobacco consumers in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. This study will also attempt to identify the factors related to the selection of toothbrushes for oral hygiene maintenance.
Materials and methods: A total of 800 adolescent tobacco consumers were selected from Ranchi district. A self-administered questionnaire collected information on the oral health behavior and factors influencing the selection of oral cleansing aids. Logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results: Toothbrush (83.0%) and toothpaste (78.0%) were the most common oral cleansing aids. Media played an important role in the selection of toothbrushes and toothpaste. The dental visit (15.0%) for preventive dental care was reported to be less. The individuals belonging to upper class (OR = 2.8, p value < 0.001*), of nontribal origin (OR = 3.21, p value < 0.001*, and residing in urban areas (OR = 5.6, p value < 0.0001*) were more likely to use a toothbrush.
Conclusion: The consumption of tobacco should be discouraged. Promotion of oral cleansing aids and interdental aids should be carried out using support from media.
Clinical significance: The oral health behavior of adolescents needs to be improved. The adolescents should be promoted to quit tobacco, and education and counseling should be provided to them for the oral health promotion. Regular dental check-up for preventive care should be encouraged. How to cite this article: Shahi AK, Chandra S, Kumar S, et al. Oral Health Behavior and Factors Influencing the Selection of Oral Hygiene Products among the Adolescent Tobacco Consumers in Jharkhand. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1200-1205.
Keywords: Adolescents; Interdental aids; Tobacco; Toothbrush Toothpaste..