Oral Health Knowledge of Periodontal Disease among University Students

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of oral health knowledge of periodontal disease among nondental university students. Materials and Methods. Two hundred and fifty university students (mean age 20.1 years ± 2.5) were recruited into this study. The participants completed a structured questionnaire during a personal interview. The questionnaire consisted of items to assess participants’ personal data (age, gender, level of study, and specialty) and oral heath knowledge related to periodontal disease. Statistical significance was based on probability values of less than 0.05. Results. Participants showed poor knowledge of causes, signs, symptoms, and preventive measures of gum disease. The level of study had no relationship with students’ knowledge of the initiating factors of periodontal disease ( ), but had a significant relationship with the knowledge of periodontal disease’s signs, preventive measures, and relations to general health and systemic disease ( ). Students from scientific disciplines had more knowledge of periodontal disease’s causes, preventive measures, and relations to general health and systemic disease ( ) than those from humanity disciplines. Conclusions. There were significant differences in oral health knowledge regarding periodontal disease between students from different levels of studies and different disciplines. 1. Introduction Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is considered to be one of the most common diseases among population and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss [1]. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque although many other factors such as hormonal changes, diabetes, poor nutrition, smoking, and stress may affect the initiation and progression of gingival and periodontal diseases [2]. The development of the common periodontal diseases depends mainly on human behavior, and the control of these diseases is greatly supported by the fact that the etiological factors are well documented [3]. Effective plaque control is an essential part in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases [4]. Many studies showed that effective plaque control for each person cannot be achieved without interactive motivation that includes educational and informative knowledge for the patient about periodontal diseases, their initiating factors, and the major role of dental plaque as the initiating cause for inflammatory periodontal changes [4, 5]. Nettleton [6] emphasized the need for offering patients accurate information so that they can make an educated decision