Hasham Khan.
Dental caries-preventive concepts of Dentists in Peshawar.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;25(1):87-92.

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the caries preventive concepts of dentists in Peshawar. The subjects included dentists working in health department of NWFP, dental colleges (Public & Private) and private practices. A questionnaire was developed to collect information so as evaluate the concepts of the dentists regarding the role of diet, oral hygiene and fluoride in the prevention of dental caries. Results showed that more dentists (63.8%) were of the opinion that individuals get caries because they take sugar- containing diet frequently and that diet is more important in reducing caries than oral hygiene alone (60.6%). Similarly majority (94.7%) of the dentists reported that frequency of intake of sugar is more important than the quantity ofthe sugar taken. Most of the dentists (90.4%) replied that brushing with fluoride toothpaste daily reduce caries to some extent. About 25% of the dentists stated that without toothpaste brushing is of no value and has no effect on caries and periodontal health. The results also showed that female dentists and dentists working in dental colleges were more knowledgeable. In conclusion, the preventive concepts of dentists in Peshawar regarding dental caries were found not to be satisfactory and need improvement through various measures.

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