The most common dental disease in the eyes of the student population

Introduction: Caries is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity and represents a significant public health problem, especially due to the high percentage of affected patients and its consequences. Although the prevention of caries is possible, the incidence of this disease remains high, partly due to the lack of adequate information about its causes and preventive measures. Aim: This study aimed to examine the level of information among students at the University of Niš regarding the development of dental caries, which is crucial for developing effective educational strategies. Material and Methods: The research was conducted via an online survey that included 226 students from various faculties, excluding dental students, using 12 closed-ended questions related to knowledge of dental caries. Results: A large number of respondents visit the dentist only when they experience pain (48.7%), while 32.7% of them regularly undergo preventive examinations. The majority of respondents recognize carbohydrates as the main cause of dental caries, while 65.5% believe that the toothbrush is more important than toothpaste. The majority of respondents do not employ specific tooth-brushing techniques. Conclusion: The awareness of the student population about caries leaves room for improvement, especially in the areas of oral hygiene techniques and the understanding of how this condition develops.