Evaluation of chief complaints of patients and prevalence of self-medication for dental problems: an institutional study

Abstract

Background: The importance of oral heath in the general wellbeing of our health is still largely undervalued. The current study was designed to comprehend the details of chief complaints and self-medication of the patients visiting a dental hospital in Mumbai. The level of awareness of the patients and its association with the practice of self-medication was also explored in the study. Methods: 300 randomly selected patients reporting to Nair Hospital Dental College were surveyed to conduct this clinical, observational, cross sectional, single center study. A specially designed and validated questionnaire consisting of 14 close ended questions was provided to the patients in the language of their convenience. Results: The most common chief complaint recorded among the dental patients was dental pain. This was followed by swelling, mobility and tooth replacement. The patients reported that most of them had experienced multiple dental problems before and did not report to the dental healthcare provider. 81% of the patients reported that they had practiced some form of self-medication for dental problems. 56.33% of them used analgesics, the pharmacy and over the counter drugs were the most common sources. A number of reasons were reported for the use of these drugs and the most common reason was to get quick or temporary relief but the patients did not report to the health care provider unless the symptoms got severe. Finally a significant relationship was recorded between the level of awareness of patients about the ill effects of self- medication and the prevalence of its practice among dental patients. Conclusions: More attention should be drawn towards the big impact of dental and oral health on the general well-being of the patients. The ethical use of medication should be encouraged not only by ensuring stringent rules governing the distribution of drugs but also by educating patients about the numerous risks involved with the practice of self-medication.