Table-III.

Response to questions about fluoride, and dental caries

Question	Number	%
Have you heard of fluoride?
1. Yes	59	98.3
2. No	1	1.7
What is the main benefit of fluoride? (Choose one only)
1. It whitens the teeth	15	25.0
2. Protect teeth from dental caries	43	71.7
3. Provide protection from gum diseases	1	1.7
4. I don’t know	1	1.7
What are the various sources of fluoride? (Choose as many as you like)
1. Drinking water	12	20.0
2. Tooth paste	56	93.3
3. Direct application by dentist	31	51.7
4. I don’t know	2	3.3
Which of the following food group mainly causes tooth decay? (Choose one only)
1. Too much meats	1	1.7
2. Sugary Foods	59	98.3
3. Too much oily food	0	0
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables	0	0
Which of the following drinks can have harmful effects on the teeth?
1. Soft drinks such as Coke or Pepsi	59	98.3
2. Flavored fizzy drinks	36	60.0
3. Sweetened/flavored milks	26	43.3
4. Bottled/Canned juices	18	30.0
5. Fresh milk	4	6.7
6. Fresh juices	2	3.3
What should you do when you feel a cavity starting in your tooth?
1. Wait till it is large enough to be filled	3	5.0
2. Wait till there is some pain in that tooth	8	13.3
3. Visit you medical practitioner	5	8.3
4. Visit a dentist immediately	44	73.3