Factors associated with irregular dental checkups or refraining from regular dental treatment.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Routine dental examination is important for early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in order to improve quality of life and avoid costly future treatments. Regular dental checkups also decreases dental anxiety among individuals. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Operative dentistry, Altamash institute of dental medicines from 15 August’2021 to 11 November’2021. 204 participants were interviewed using well-constructed questionnaire regarding factors associated with irregular dental checkups and refrainment from regular dental treatment. Objective: To identify factors associated with irregular dental checkups or refraining from regular dental treatment. Results: Among 204 participants, 79 (38.73%) were male and 125 (61.27%) were female. Results showed that 47.55% of individuals were aware that dental hygiene improved overall quality of life, only 42.6% of participants visited a dental clinic for a general check-up, whereas 57.35% only received dental treatment when they were in pain. Conclusion: Major factor leading to irregularity for dental checkup, is financial constraint.  Keywords: Dental checkup, Dentist, Dental treatment, Oral health .