Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Oral Health: Understanding the role of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in shaping Oral Health and preventive care

Oral health is a vital component of overall health and quality of life, affecting basic functions such as mastication, speech, and social well-being. The literature highlights that oral diseases share common risk factors with other chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive approaches. The concept of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) is central to understanding oral health behavior.Knowledge relates to awareness and understanding of oral health, disease prevention, and treatment. While increased knowledge supports healthier behavior, it does not always result in positive actions. Attitude, influenced by beliefs, experiences, and cultural factors, plays a key role in translating knowledge into behavior. Positive attitudes are linked with regular dental visits and preventive care, whereas negative attitudes contribute to neglect and avoidance of treatment.Practice includes daily oral hygiene habits, dietary behavior, and use of dental services. Poor practices are consistently associated with a higher burden of oral diseases.