بررسي نحوه رعايت بهداشت دهان در بين روزه داران شهر تهران در سال 83-1382

Assessment of the condition of using health measures by fasting people in Tehran City in 1382-83

Background and Aim: Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease. And as we know bacterial plaque is the most important factor in causing gingivitis. So we must try to limit the plaque formation as much as we can. For controlling the plaque, as prevention and treatment there are two ways: mechanical and chemical. Using tooth brush, dental floss, tooth pick, . . . are mechanical ways and using toothpaste, jells, antibiotics and antiseptics . . . are chemical ways. Disregarding preventive measures will lead to periodontal diseases, which needs different treatment modalities to eliminate them. There are limited information regarding the behavior of Iranian people for their oral hygiene, and there are no available datas about their oral hygiene measures in the month of Ramadan. The purpose of this study is to find out frequency, timing and type of devices used by our Moslems to clean their mouths in Ramadan month and other months. Methods & Materials: The type of this study is descriptive - analytic. We prepared 880 questionnaires and distributed them between 22 areas of municipality of Tehran. 8 helpers (4 females and 4 males) interviewed 40 people (20 females, 20 males) in each area and wrote these dates in supplied questionnaires. 40 people in each area were located in mosques, parks, and Friday prayer of Tehran. Result: 6.01% of fasting people use toothbrush at noontime in Ramadan month and 21.61% in routine months. 12.6% of people use toothbrush three times a day (morning, noontime and night) in routine months, but only 4.55% in Ramadan month. 43.4% of people use toothbrush 2 times a day in Ramadan month (this percentage for other months is 35.78%). The percentages of females who use tooth brush two times a day and more than that in Ramadan and other months are 10% more than males. And after statistics accounts it was found that these differences are sensible. Also, after statistics accounts it was found that the percentages of educated people (who have diploma and more degree) that use toothbrush 2 times a day and more in Ramadan and other months are sensibly more than others. Conclusion: According to our previous findings after calling using toothbrush 2 times a day and more as "Hygiene Index" we can conclude that educated people more than others like care about their oral hygieneʹs, and females more than males take care about their oral hygieneʹs, too. The decrease of using toothbrush at noontime in Ramadan month relates to peopleʹs belief that their fasting will be cancelled, if they use toothbrush in fasting time. It is suggested that people be informed of importance of noon brushing during fasting time through all the means of mass media.