Prevalence and patterns of self-medication for oral health problems among dental college patients in Mangalore, Karnataka: a cross-sectional study

Manish Nayak; Devishree V. Rai; C. H. Muhsina; M. Ashaya; Ashwini Baliga; Raghavendra Kini

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262282

Authors

Manish Nayak Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Devishree V. Rai Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
C. H. Muhsina Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
M. Ashaya Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Ashwini Baliga Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Raghavendra Kini Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262282

Keywords:

Self-medication, Oral health, Dental pain, Antibiotic resistance, Public health

Abstract

Background: Self-medication for dental problems is a widely prevalent practice, particularly in developing countries, yet localized evidence from urban dental settings in India remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of self-medication for oral health problems among patients attending a dental college hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 262 patients attending the outpatient department of a dental teaching hospital. Data were collected over a two-month period using a structured and pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Self-medication was reported by 65.3% of participants. Toothache (71.3%) was the most common reason, followed by sensitivity (13.5%) and oral ulcers (11.1%). Home remedies (38.6%) and analgesics (33.9%) were most frequently used, while 16.4% reported antibiotic use. Pharmacies (56.7%) and the internet (29.2%) were the main sources. Although 63.2% eventually consulted a dentist, awareness regarding risks such as antibiotic resistance (37.8%) remained limited.

Conclusions: Self-medication for dental problems is highly prevalent, with notable antibiotic misuse and poor awareness. Public education, improved access to affordable dental care, and stricter regulation of drug sales are needed.

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