The interaction between periodontal status and oral health awareness: Analysis of clinical and sociodemographic factors

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between periodontal health status and oral health awareness and to analyze the role of clinical and sociodemographic factors in this relationship. Materials and Methods: The study included 315 participants who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology. Participants were divided into Healthy (H), Gingivitis (G) and Periodontitis (P) groups according to the 2017 AAP/EFP periodontal disease classification based on clinical periodontal examination findings. In order to eliminate imbalances in the distribution of natural presentation, the sample was balanced to include 105 patients from each group. The periodontitis group was further subcategorized by stage and grade. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits and oral health awareness level was applied. Plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss were evaluated during clinical examination. Data were evaluated using statistical analysis methods. Results: The mean age of the participants was 41 years and 48.6% were female. Significant differences were found between the periodontal health groups in terms of age, education level, income, smoking, frequency of toothbrush and interface cleaning use, and frequency of dental visits (p<0.001). In the periodontitis group, older age, lower income and education level, inadequate oral hygiene habits, decreased frequency of dental visits and higher smoking rates were observed (p<0.001). When the median values of clinical parameters (PI, GI, PPD, CAL) were analyzed, there was a significant difference between the groups and the highest values were found in the periodontitis group (p<0.001). When periodontal parameters were analyzed according to oral health awareness level, the mean value of plaque index was 1.91±0.61 at low awareness level and 0.99±0.63 at high awareness level. The mean values of gingival index were 1.89±0.63 and 1.02±0.70, respectively. The mean value of probing depth was 3.14±1.32 at low consciousness level and 1.87±0.95 at high consciousness level. The mean value of clinical loss of attachment was 2.67±2.33 at low consciousness level and 1.16±1.93 at high consciousness level. Conclusion: A strong and significant relationship was found between periodontal health status and oral health awareness level of the participants. Higher levels of awareness were associated with better periodontal health outcomes, whereas lower levels of awareness were associated with higher prevalence of periodontal diseases, especially advanced forms.