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Introduction: Plaque accumulation especially in interdental areas where local factors like proximal restorations and crowns are present require additional methods of control. The role of interdental aids thus becomes indispensable.
Objective: To evaluate the awareness, knowledge, perception and practice towards use of interdental aids in patients with proximal restorations and prosthetic crowns visiting the Periodontology Department of our college.
Materials and Method: A total of fifty patients with 200 interdental sites were evaluated in region of crown or proximal restoration. The patients were examined for tenderness and periodontal health in area of crown and proximal restoration and were also asked to fill a questionnaire.
Result: Out of the surveyed fifty patients, 70% of the population were unaware and only 30% were aware of interdental aids. 20% of them reported routine use. 60% of them reported that their Dentist had never advised them. Out of the surveyed sample 18% reported food lodgement and 24% reported interdental pain ranging from mild to severe in nature. Radiographs were advised to patients with interdental pain to rule out endodontic cause; they were treated with scaling and curettage especially in region of pain and motivated to use interdental aids.
Conclusion: Majority of patients with crowns and proximal restoration were totally unaware of interdental aids use and reported with food lodgement and interdental pain. This survey reinforces the importance of interdental aids in maintaining an optimum oral hygiene. It also mandates the need for Dentists to prescribe routinely interdental aids especially in such patients.

Awareness; interdental aids; interdental pain.