PATIENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE ON TOOTH BLEACHING

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess knowledge on tooth bleaching among patients visiting dental health care centres in Klang Valley. A total of 200 patients were conveniently selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Among the 200 respondents, 75.5% knew about bleaching. There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge of bleaching in relation to age, gender, ethnic group and income level of the patients interviewed (p>0.05) but the education level had a significant influence (p=0.049). Respondents with tertiary education had better knowledge about tooth bleaching as compared to those respondents without tertiary education. The sources of information about bleaching came from advertisements on electronic media (65.5%), articles in newspapers and magazines (14.7%), dentists (10.9%) and family and friends (8.8%). Out of the 75.5% of respondents who knew about bleaching, 18.2% had tried bleaching their teeth using either over-the-counter products or had undergone professional bleaching treatment. The commonest reasons cited for bleaching treatment were to remove coffee and tea stains (70%) and cigarette stains (16.7%). 73.3% of these patients were satisfied with the results achieved after bleaching. However, the majority of these patients (59.6%) were unsure of the safety of these bleaching products/procedures. In conclusion, 75.5% of patients interviewed in this study knew that bleaching is one of the treatment options available to improve dental aesthetics but only 18.2% have tried bleaching their teeth. Their main source of knowledge about bleaching came from advertisements on electronic media.