Comparison of Dental Hygiene Practices among Medical and Non- medical Personnel during Ramadan

Abstract

Background: Fasting during Ramadan imposes changes in daily routines that can significantly influence personal hygiene behaviors, particularly oral hygiene. Understanding how medical and non-medical personnel adapt their dental hygiene practices during Ramadan is essential to inform targeted public health interventions and education. Aim of the study: To compare dental hygiene practices, oral health complaints, and beliefs regarding oral hygiene during Ramadan between medical and non-medical personnel. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 607 adult participants observing Ramadan, including 329 medical and 278 non-medical personnel. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographics, oral hygiene behaviors, oral health complaints, and beliefs about fasting-related practices. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of good oral hygiene (defined as brushing ≥2 times/day). Result: Medical personnel reported significantly better oral hygiene practices than non-medical personnel during Ramadan. Brushing ≥2 times/day was practiced by 69.9% of medical participants compared to 45.0% of non-medical participants (p < 0.001). Use of mouthwash (50.2% vs. 34.9%), flossing (24.9% vs. 10.1%), and tongue cleaning (40.1% vs. 15.1%) were all significantly higher among the medical group (p < 0.001). Oral health complaints such as halitosis (55.0% vs. 70.1%), dry mouth (59.9% vs. 74.8%), and bleeding gums (14.9% vs. 29.9%) were more frequent among non-medical personnel (p < 0.001). Belief that brushing breaks the fast was significantly more prevalent in the non-medical group (34.9% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, being a medical professional (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.45–3.19), brushing ≥2 times/day (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 2.35–5.16), mouthwash use (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.22–2.80), and rejecting the belief that brushing breaks the fast (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.68–4.28) were independent predictors of good oral hygiene during Ramadan. Conclusion: Medical personnel demonstrate significantly better oral hygiene practices and more accurate beliefs regarding fasting and dental care during Ramadan compared to non-medical personnel. Targeted educational programs addressing misconceptions and promoting oral hygiene are warranted, particularly among non-medical populations.