{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.016600790513833993, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0015810276679841897, 'mean_word_length': 5.698412698412699, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
A survey about awareness of periodontal health among the students of professional colleges in Dakshina Kannada District

Introduction: Oral health is an important factor in maintaining sound psychological and physical health. Association between knowledge and better oral health has been well documented. Aim: To assess the oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and Engineering Colleges. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted among the students of medical, Ayurveda, and engineering colleges. Three hundred students were selected using a simple random sampling method and a self-constructed 15 items questionnaire was distributed to all subjects. Chi-square test was applied to individual questions and Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare overall oral health awareness and knowledge about periodontal diseases among the students. Results: A substantial lack of oral hygiene understanding and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices even in health professionals and engineering students. Conclusions: Hence, there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral health and impart education about the correct oral hygiene practices at an elementary level.