Oral hygiene awareness and practice in orthodontic patients in Makkah city: A cross sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the level of oral hygiene awareness and practice among orthodontic patients that have fixed appliances and investigate the differences in awareness as per age, gender, and education qualification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 250 patients was included. A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the patient's oral hygiene. RESULTS: The level of awareness and oral hygiene practice was significantly higher among females, with a consistent stepwise increase toward older ages. Also, increased with higher education level, longer duration since getting the appliance, and receiving instructions from the orthodontist. CONCLUSIONS: Oral hygiene instructions received by the orthodontist play an important role in the patient's awareness level. Also, many predictors have a significant effect on the patient's cooperation in practicing oral hygiene measures.