Evaluation of awareness, attitude, and knowledge about emergency management of avulsed tooth in rural people: A questionnaire based study

Abstract

Introduction: Tooth avulsion is a typical dental trauma requiring emergency treatment plan. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge and perception of the rural population regarding tooth avulsion and its management. Materials and method: The patients from the outpatient department were screened for a period of two months. A 13 question questionnaire was given to the participant to mark option of their choice. Informed consent along with demographic data was signed. All the sheets were collected and responses were fed in MS Excel sheet (v.2007) to analyze the data. Results: Total 454 among 500 were included in the study. It was found that not all people wear helmet and mouth protective guard. The rural population had lack of knowledge and awareness in management of avulsed tooth. Around 85% people would consult the dentist in case of dental avulsion. About 76% people were unaware regarding carrier media used to carry avulsed tooth and majority preferred it to carry it dry to the dentist. Majority (81%) of the people were interested to gain the knowledge regarding same. Conclusion: There is necessity to raise public awareness about tooth avulsion, carrier media, and treatment options. There is need make people aware about importance of wearing helmets and mouth guards that lowers the chances of dentofacial trauma.