KNOWLEDGE ON CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL OF DENTAL PLAQUE; A QUALITATIVE APPROACH.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Understanding dental plaque, a diverse micro-organism population on the surface of teeth, is crucial for controlling
dental caries and periodontitis in the Ghanaian population, thereby reducing the oral disease burden. This study sought the views and
perspectives of Dentists and Traditional Dental Herbal Practitioners (TDHPs) on the causes, effects, and control mechanisms for dental
plaque.
METHOD: This cross-sectional study employed a qualitative approach to understand the causes, effects, and control of dental plaque.
Four dentists and two TDHPs were interviewed one-on-one using an interview guide and a digital recorder. The data was transcribed,
coded, and analyzed using NVivo 14. Ethical approval was granted by the Committee on Human Research Publication and Ethics of
KNUST
RESULTS: The Dentists attributed the causes of dental plaque to bacteria, food particles, and poor oral hygiene, whereas the TDHPs
believed it developed from birth, eating raw meat, and poor oral hygiene. Dentists believed that dental plaque could be controlled by
maintaining proper oral hygiene, whereas TDHPs recommended the use of special chewing sticks, minimizing the consumption of fresh meat, and applying herbs, tree bark, and roots to control dental plaque.
CONCLUSION: Dentists and TDHPs differ in their understanding of the causes and methods of dental plaque control but share similar
knowledge regarding the effects of dental plaque. This study has confirmed the importance of good oral hygiene practices in controlling dental plaque, as endorsed by both dentists and dental hygienists and therapists (TDHPs). It highlights the role of intensifying oral health education in promoting good oral hygiene practices.