Prevalence of Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Dental Extractions among Dental Patients: An Institutional Study

Abstract

Myths related to oral ailments and dental health care practices are very common in Indian society and it is strenuous to break this chain as these myths are deep-rooted in society. Understanding the myths and misconceptions about oral diseases is important in providing excellent care and health education to both patients and healthy individuals.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the myths and misconceptions regarding dental extraction among dental patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 100 dental patients to evaluate the myths and misconceptions regarding dental extraction by preparing a set of questions.  The answers were collected through an online survey method. Data were collected and tabulated in the Microsoft Excel sheet and the results were analyzed through spss software and results obtained.

RESULTS: In this study,  the number of male participants was 43% and the number of female participants was 56%. Among the participants of the survey, 61 % of them are in the middle-class category. Patient's belief extraction affects the brain which is 62 %, tooth extraction affects eye vision which is 58%, extraction of a tooth causes hearing loss which is 49 %. 61% of patients believe that extraction of a tooth causes fever, 65 % of  the patient's belief that extraction of the tooth causes damage to nerves. 38% of  the patient's belief that extraction of the tooth causes miscarriage.

CONCLUSION: The study population has significant belief in one or more myths and misconceptions regarding dental extraction. The myths are due to illiteracy and lack of knowledge about dental extraction and they act as barriers to the utilization of dental services. There is a need to educate people about the facts of dentistry. The dentist should also maintain a friendly relationship with the patient so that the patient openly tells about the beliefs and gets a clearer idea. It is our responsibility to explain the harmful dental myths and promote the truth.