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. 2025 Apr 30;21(4):845-848.
doi: 10.6026/973206300210845. eCollection 2025.

Assessment of oral health literacy with dental hygiene among rural communities in India

Chanchal Gangwar  1 , Anshul Gangwar  2 , Pallavi Patel  1
Affiliations

Assessment of oral health literacy with dental hygiene among rural communities in India

Chanchal Gangwar et al. Bioinformation. .

Abstract

Oral health literacy (OHL) and its effect on hygiene practices among 300 adults in rural Bareilly, India is assessed. The average OHL score was 12.6 ± 3.5 out of 20, indicating moderate literacy. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) was found between OHL and good oral hygiene practices. Only 34% brushed twice daily and 19% used mouthwash regularly. Higher OHL was significantly linked to regular dental check-ups (p = 0.002), highlighting the need for better oral health education in rural areas in India.

Keywords: Oral health literacy; dental hygiene; oral health behavior; public health dentistry; rural communities.

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