ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG TRADERS IN IBADAN.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Epidemiology
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Good oral health practices are crucial for preventing dental caries and periodontal disease.
• Adequate knowledge of oral health factors can positively influence practices and outcomes.
• Oral health is integral to overall individual well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess oral health knowledge and practices among adults in Ibadan, Nigeria.
• To inform the planning of targeted oral health services.
• To identify gaps in understanding and behavior related to oral hygiene.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 traders in Ibadan, Nigeria.
• A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire collected data on socio-demographics, knowledge, and practices.
• Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Mean participant age was 36.9 ±1.2 years.
• Only 37.0% knew tooth decay relates to sugar; 61.9% consumed carbonated drinks weekly.
• Just 22.8% had ever visited a dentist; 70.3% used toothbrush and toothpaste.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in oral health knowledge among adult Nigerians.
• Current oral health practices do not consistently promote good oral health.
• Educational interventions are needed to improve oral health awareness and behaviors.