Tooth brush changing frequency and associated socio-demographic and oral hygiene factors among residents of Karachi

Proper tooth brushing technique along with tooth brush replacement at recommended intervals may help to protect the accumulation of plaque and reduce the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis. We aimed to determine the frequency of tooth brush change and the variables associated with this practice in population living in Karachi. A cross sectional study was conducted among dental Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (OPD) visitors of DIKIOHS in Karachi, from, March to May, 2015. A total of 232 participants were selected by using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected by using a semi structured pretested questionnaire. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors related to tooth brush changing were identified by applying logistic regression model. Majority of participants (65%) were changing tooth brush at every 3 months. After adjusting socio-demographic and dental variables, the odds of changing tooth brush within 3 months among participants who brush more than twice a day, were 3 times more (AOR= 3.49, CI= 1.054 – 11.571) as compared to those who brush once a day. The other factors that showed significant association in multivariate analysis were people who had monthly income >50,000 Pakistan rupees, users of other mouth cleaning aids and people using tooth brush with soft bristles. This study concluded that majority of the participants were changing their tooth brush at recommended intervals and different variables (demographic, socioeconomic and dental) are associated with the frequency of tooth brush changing.