Methods: A convenience sampling technique was used to select 384 residents of Ayete, aged 10 and above, in a cross-sectional study. Information was obtained from them using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages of relevant variables were reported and Chi-square test was used to test associations between categorical variables at 5% level of significance.
Results: The participants were mostly adults 180(47%) and adolescents 177(46.3%) with 42(11.2%) more males than females. Toothbrush 352(91.7%) and chewing stick 190(49.6%) were the commonest form of teeth cleaning devices used. About 40 (10.4%) engaged in the use of various substances such as ground glass, ash, sand and alum for teeth cleaning. Exclusive use of chewing stick was practiced majorly by the elderly. About 193(50.1%) of the participants cleaned their teeth once daily, 152(39.4%) twice and 39(10.1%) thrice daily. About 146(38%) of respondents were aware of the presence of a dental clinic in neighbouring town, but 5(3.5%) of them had ever utilized it. The utilizers were mainly adults; 75% of whom were males and about 50% of them had tertiary education level. Self-medication was practised mostly by the elderly 27(100%), followed by adolescents 113(64%) and adults 104(58%). More males engaged in self-medication than their female counterparts (P>0.05), and the practice decreased with increasing educational status (P> 0.05). Battery water use for tooth ache was found among the male gender only.
Conclusion: Though some inhabitants of Ayete were involved in beneficial oral health practices, some still indulged in detrimental practices. Age, gender and level of education influenced the oral health practice engaged by individuals. More oral health education programmes and dental clinic is needful for the Ayete Community.
Keywords: Oral health practices, teeth cleaning, Ayete.