Relationship between patient’s education level and knowledge on oral health preventive measures

Abstract

Background: Dental caries and periodontal disease are admittedly the most common oral diseases and are one of the main oral health problems, affecting the quality of life of the individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient’s education level and knowledge on dental treatment of caries/periodontal disease and oral hygiene through a specific questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A group of 600 adults aged between 18 and 80 years old were evaluated. After the evaluation of the answers given, the participants in the survey were instructed regarding the main oral health preventive measures. The obtained data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that 59% of the patients were female at age range of 31‐40 years‐old. The patients with a higher educational level had more previous information about caries, periodontal diseases, and oral health preventive measures. The dentist was pointed out as the person responsible for the oral hygiene instruction for 73.83% of the patients. The lack of oral hygiene were said to be the main factor accounting for both caries and periodontal disease etiology (79.85% and 62.93%, respectively). Pain was the motivating factor for seeing a dentist (44.50) whereas 55.50% of the patients were motivated by a preventive care (routine appointment). Dental floss was used by only 49.50% of the patients and 34.90% that did not use it by saying that it provokes gingival bleeding. Conclusion: The evaluated patients presented an uneven knowledge level on caries, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene preventive measures. The educational level had a direct influence on both patient’s knowledge and behavior regarding to the main oral diseases. There is the need for a continued instruction on caries and periodontal disease preventive measures, with emphasis on diet role and dental floss use in dental educational programs.