Assessment of Self-Medication Trends for Oral Health Concerns Among Coronary Artery Disease Patients Reported to Private Dental Institutions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without a prescription or professional advice, is a prevalent practice globally. This behavior is especially common among patients with chronic conditions like Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), who often face additional health challenges, including oral health issues. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the trends and patterns of self-medication for oral health concerns among CAD patients attending private dental institutions. Conducted in May 2024 at the Department of Oral Medicine, Radiology, and Special Care Dentistry, this study included 100 CAD patients aged 18 to 65, literate in English. Participants completed a two-part questionnaire: demographic data and self-medication practices in the first section, and attitudes and behaviors regarding self-medication in the second. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Of the 100 participants, 74% reported engaging in self-medication for oral health concerns, primarily for toothaches. The most common source of advice was family members, followed by the use of old or previous prescriptions. Demographic analysis showed no significant differences in self-medication practices across age, gender, or education levels. The study underscores the need for targeted education and intervention strategies to address self-medication among CAD patients. Healthcare providers should emphasize the risks of self-medication and promote professional dental care. Integrating routine dental check-ups into CAD management and fostering collaboration between cardiologists and dentists can improve patient outcomes.