Evaluation of existing status of knowledge, practice and attitude towards oral health of rural communities of Haryana--India.

The KAP survey on oral health practices of 3247 individuals, 6-60 years of age, of Sidhaura block of Haryana revealed that use of dattan was more prevalent (56% in adult community & 49% students) than tooth brush (35% adult community & 34% students). 37% of the total community had the knowledge of brush being the best oral hygiene measure. 25% of the community using brush were brushing only once/day. The knowledge of the community regarding the role of fluorides in prevention of dental caries was completely lacking: 1.8% of the community was using fluoride dentifrice. 35-45 percent of the community were practising sweet foods/drinks etc. four times a day. The snyder test showed a positive relation with frequency of sugar intake.