Research Article | Open Access
KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE PRACTICE ON CARIES STATUS AMONG BLACKSMITHS
M.P.Induja Dr.M.Dhanraj Dr.N.Sanjana Devi
Pages: 5224-5235
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is considered a major public health problem globally due to its high
prevalence and significant social impact. Dental caries, otherwise known as tooth decay, is one of the
most prevalent chronic diseases of people worldwide; individuals are susceptible to this disease
throughout their lifetime.Oral diseases have been a persistent public health problem globally, with almost
every individual experiencing poor oral health at least once in their lifetime.A blacksmith is a metalsmith
who creates objects from iron or steel by the metal, using tools to hammer, bend, and cut.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survey instrument used in this study was a pretested questionnaire
comprising 11 questions evaluating the and awareness levels of the respondence on caries status. A
Convient survey of 50 Blacksmiths in Shakthivel steel industry near Poonamalle were included in this
study . The responses obtained were tabulated.
RESULTS: Among the population 60% smoked or tobacco chewing,75%drinking as a habit. About
80% had toothaches. Most of the population know that they had caries and felt that dental treatments are
expensive and thus were not interested in going for caries management.
CONCLUSION: The knowledge and awareness on oral hygiene status among blacksmiths is not
satisfactory. It can be concluded that there should be knowledge provided to this strata of society since
they are not fully aware of oral hygiene.
Keywords
Awareness, Blacksmiths, Knowledge, Oral hygiene , innovation