Abstract
AIM: To determine the knowledge and practices of adults regarding oral health and to determine the associated gender differences. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a total of 1330 adults participated. Data were collected using self-administered validated questionnaire to gather information about sociodemographic data, oral health knowledge and practices. The scores of the oral health knowledge were calculated. Linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate and compare the oral health knowledge and practices between males and females. RESULTS: Females had a significantly higher mean oral health knowledge score (8.5 ± 1.5) than males (8.1 ± 1.7). Regarding oral health practices, female participants reported a higher frequency of tooth brushing and mouthwash use than males (p = 0.001). The percentage of females who visited the dentist for check-ups and cleaning was significantly higher compared to males (41.5% and 35.2%, respectively). Participants with a university-level education showed a significantly higher knowledge score (coefficient = 0.27; 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.46). Respondents who were less than 40 years old brushed their teeth more than twice a day compared to older individuals (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.13). Nonsmokers had better knowledge, and brushing their teeth twice daily was more likely among them (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.99). CONCLUSION: Among the adult population, females were more knowledgeable about their oral health and exhibited better practices than males.