Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 10(6), pp. 569 - 575
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100603
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An Exploratory Insight into Public's Perception and Preference of Mouthwash during COVID-19 Pandemic

Savitha Satish ¹, Sushma Rudraswamy ^2,*, Jai Shankar Puttabuddi Hommerhalli ³, Nagabhushana Doggalli ³, Sunitha S. ², Sowmya Srinivas ^4
1 Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, USA
² Department of Public Health Dentistry, J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, J.S.S. Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, India
³ Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, J.S.S. Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, India
⁴ Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital, J.S.S. Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, India

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate, through a questionnaire, general public awareness preference regarding mouth wash and their perceptions of the importance of self-care to control the disease. Methods: General public completed a 20-item questionnaire that aimed to assess the following: their profile, knowledge, and awareness of the mouthwash, preferences on mouthwashes in terms of their constituent ingredients, short- and long-term side effects, and their attitude towards the use of mouthwashes as plaque control agents. Data tabulation and the frequency distribution using tables and graphics were done. Results: The data showed that 134 participants answered the google form, out of which 56% of participants did not use mouthwash, and 64% gave reasons why it was unnecessary to do so. While another 14.7% were unaware that mouthwash is an adjunct in aiding oral hygiene, and 15% of participants said they did not have enough time to use it. The remaining justifications included difficulty in mouth washing and finding it costly. Conclusion: We conclude with this questionnaire-based survey during the pandemic COVID-19 regarding the public perception and preference of mouth wash, the general public becomes motivated to promote self-care when the dentist promotes proper instruction. The present study throws light on the fact that widespread usages of herbal products now need to be advocated and prescribed. Hence more evidence pertaining to the usage of herbal product needs to done with a greater number of clinical and randomized control trials on a larger scale to continue their development and usage at grassroots level.

KEYWORDS
Plaque Control, Mouthwash, Public, Perception

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Savitha Satish , Sushma Rudraswamy , Jai Shankar Puttabuddi Hommerhalli , Nagabhushana Doggalli , Sunitha S. , Sowmya Srinivas , "An Exploratory Insight into Public's Perception and Preference of Mouthwash during COVID-19 Pandemic," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 569 - 575, 2022. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100603.

(b). APA Format:
Savitha Satish , Sushma Rudraswamy , Jai Shankar Puttabuddi Hommerhalli , Nagabhushana Doggalli , Sunitha S. , Sowmya Srinivas (2022). An Exploratory Insight into Public's Perception and Preference of Mouthwash during COVID-19 Pandemic. Universal Journal of Public Health, 10(6), 569 - 575. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2022.100603.