Factors influencing choice of oral hygiene products used among the population of Udaipur, India.

Aim and Objective: aim of the study was to know the factors that influence the selection of oral hygiene products among population of Udaipur, India. Material and Methods: An epidemiological survey was conducted by using a sample of 500 urban people. Data was collected by means of a self administered structured questionnaire containing 13 items to know the criteria used for selection of the oral hygiene products among the population of Udaipur, India. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 13.0. The frequency of distribution and percentages were calculated. Results: results of the study showed that tooth brush (94.4%) and toothpaste (90.6%) were the main products used for the maintenance of oral hygiene. Only 7.8% of the people used other oral hygiene aids. The most commonly used tooth brushes were of soft bristle consistency (59.60%). The most commonly used brand of tooth brush and toothpaste was Colgate (26.60% and 36.2% respectively). Information from the media was the most influential factor in selection of a particular brand of tooth brush (33.60%) and toothpaste (39.6%).  Conclusion: selection of oral hygiene products was based more on information from media and there seems to be a lack of knowledge and awareness about content of a tooth paste/ powder, so education of people for the importance of oral hygiene maintenance, proper selection and method of use of oral hygiene products is needed.