| Popis: |
Recently, there is a resurgence in the practice of oral hygiene with charcoal-based oral hygiene products such as charcoal based dentifrices, toothbrushes and mouthwashes. Dental professionals need to be aware of these products to rightly educate patients on acclaimed merits and demerits.To elicit the awareness, knowledge and opinion of dental professionals on the use of activated charcoal oral health products.A cross-sectional study carried out among dental professionals. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire that sought information on respondents' demography, their awareness, knowledge and opinion on charcoal-based oral health care products. Descriptive and comparative analyses were done using SPSS version 21.0. and statistical significance were set at p0.05.One hundred and three dental professionals participated with a slight female predominance and a F:M of 1,1:1. Forty-six (44.7%) and 10 (9.7%) respondents respectively were aware of charcoal-based toothpaste and toothbrush (p= 0.02, p=0.04). Sixteen (15.5%) of those who were aware got information from friends/colleagues. Only 19 (54.3%) of dentists knew that charcoal-based toothpaste can be used in tooth whitening and in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases (p=0.01). There was generally a low knowledge about the uses, side effects and sequalae of the use of charcoal toothpastes and toothbrushes among all dental professionals. Attitude to use and willingness to recommend these products was also poor among them.There was a low awareness and knowledge of the uses and sequalae of charcoal-based oral health products among dental professionals. |
