Periodontal Health Knowledge Research Articles

Periodontal Health Among Pregnant Women in Sri Lanka: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe prevalence of periodontal disease among Sri Lankan women in the reproductive age group is considerably high. The present study aimed to assess the oral hygiene status, gingival status, and the associated factors among pregnant women attending community Antenatal Clinics (ANC) in Sri Lanka, against the challenging sociopolitical backdrop.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted among 576 pregnant women attending community ANCs within a specific Medical Officer of Health area in Sri Lanka. The clinics were selected using a two‐stage cluster sampling method with probability proportionate to size technique. Pregnant women were recruited from each clinic using a systematic sampling method. Data was collected with an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and an oral health examination form.ResultsPoor oral hygiene was detected among over 60% of pregnant women. Moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis was seen among 23.3% of them. Nearly 67% of the participants demonstrated limited knowledge of periodontal diseases. Approximately, 67% of them were unemployed, and 32.5% had a monthly income of less than 40,000 Sri Lankan rupees. Regression analysis revealed that the trimester, socioeconomic factors, frequency of dental visits, recency of full mouth scaling, and knowledge of periodontal diseases predicted the oral hygiene status, and age, trimester, frequency of brushing, recency of full mouth scaling, and knowledge of periodontal diseases were significant predictors of gingival health. Particularly, individuals with a lower socioeconomic status experienced both poor oral hygiene and gingival health.ConclusionThe suboptimal oral hygiene and gingival health, limited access to dental care, and inadequate periodontal health knowledge, highlight an urgent need for interventions such as empowering young women through educational and employment initiatives.

Periodontal Health Knowledge Levels among Libyan Adult Patients Attending Public and Private Dental Clinics: A Comparative Study

Background: Periodontal diseases can result in premature tooth loss; However, early detection, adherence to oral hygiene practices, and regular prophylaxis can help prevent or minimize the severity of periodontal diseases. Additionally, increased awareness and knowledge about periodontal health can positively influence behaviors related to oral health. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the level of knowledge about periodontal oral health among patients attending public and private dental clinics and to investigate the relationship of their knowledge with Socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess periodontal health knowledge among Libyan adults. Researchers interviewed 180 adults aged 18 years and older face-to-face. The study focused on demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, occupation, and clinic type. Additionally, a chi-square test was used to explore differences in periodontal health knowledge between patients attending public and private dental clinics, considering age, gender, education, and occupation Results: Socioeconomic status correlates with knowledge about periodontal signs, symptoms, etiology, and prevention. Females, those with higher education, and better economic status had significantly higher periodontal health knowledge. Knowledge increased with occupation level. The 41-60 age group and university-educated individuals demonstrated higher periodontal health knowledge. Females in public clinics were more aware of etiology than males. In private clinics, both genders showed an inverse association regarding the same question, with higher periodontal knowledge found among males. Conclusion: The study showed differences in periodontal knowledge among patients attending different types of dental clinics, with variations based on age, gender, education, and occupation. Better socio-economic status is associated with better knowledge.

Awareness and Periodontal Health Practices of Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Patients: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

A well-aligned dentition is more conducive to periodontal health, which is necessary for successful orthodontic therapy. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for effective treatment, and patient cooperation, education, motivation, and attitude are all important components. Orthodontists must routinely check in with their patients to see whether they are maintaining their oral hygiene and if they are using any additional assistance. Negligence on the part of the patient may be the cause of poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to show how patient education can affect treatment outcomes and the development of a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and healthy dentition. Aim This study aims to investigate awareness, attitude,andperiodontal health knowledgeamong orthodontic patients. Objectives The study explores the level of awareness and knowledge regarding periodontal health among orthodontic patients, examining its correlation with factors such as age, attitude, and duration of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it aims to gauge the extent of education received by orthodontic patients regarding proper oral hygiene practices and the potential repercussions of neglecting them. Methods A questionnaire-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 428 participants were randomly selected from several private orthodontic clinics and hospitals. The participants in the study were individuals currently undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Information was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a moderate understanding of periodontal disease about dental plaque. The level of awareness of periodontal health was 41%, and the level of knowledge about periodontal health was 51%. When it came to periodontal health, adult orthodontic patients had a positive attitude toward fixed orthodontic treatment (mean score = 0.75). Subjects' attitudes regarding fixed orthodontic treatment were significantly impacted by the patient's consistency with his/her dental checkups (p value = 0.02). Conclusion The patients'periodontal health awareness was moderate, while their periodontal health knowledge was fair. Orthodontic patient's awareness levels, as well as knowledge levels, showed significant differences in age and duration but not sex. Results showed no significant difference among the attitude levels of orthodontic patients and age, sex, and duration.

Periodontal Health Knowledge and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Caribbean Adults.

To identify the relationship between periodontal health knowledge and oral health-related quality of life among Caribbean adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample from 3 Caribbean cities (weighted N = 1805). Participants completed a questionnaire on oral health knowledge, hygiene habits, and other practices, as well as the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The associations between knowledge and habits and OHIP-14 score and its tertiles were evaluated using negative binomial and multinomial logistic regression models, respectively, adjusting for confounders. Odds ratios and regression coefficients were reported. Participants reporting none, little, and adequate knowledge about gum health had higher odds of being in the worst tertile for OHRQoL, compared to those reporting "good knowledge" (ORnone vs good = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.59-3.54; ORlittle vs good = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.19-2.78; ORadequate vs good = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.11-2.57). Participants reporting toothbrushing ≥ twice/day were less likely to be in the worst tertile for OHRQoL, compared to those brushing less often (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48-0.92). Self-reported gum bleeding was associated with double the odds of being in the worse tertile (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.60-2.58). According to the findings of this study, periodontal health knowledge is associated with reduced OHRQoL in Caribbean Adults. In addition, the frequency of brushing and the self-reported gum bleeding was related to a worse quality of life (QoL) level.

Periodontal Health Knowledge among Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study

Periodontal Health Knowledge among Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge and Practice on Periodontal Health among Women Residing in Rural Area of Bali Province, Indonesia

Periodontal diseases are strongly associated with systemic diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Frequency of periodontal diseases in the rural population tends to be higher than the urban population, and mostly coincides with the lack of knowledge and poor oral hygiene practice. Assessing oral and periodontal health knowledge and practice is critical in providing sufficient oral health education to attain good oral hygiene and prevent periodontal diseases. Therefore, this study aims to determine the knowledge and practice regarding periodontal health among women of reproductive age residing in a rural area of Bali Province, Indonesia. Thirty-five women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) residing in in a rural area of Bali Province who enrolled in a community development program held by an Indonesian University were recruited for this study. Participants were provided with a self-administered questionnaire containing several question items to assess the knowledge regarding possible relationship between periodontal diseases and pregnancy outcomes and types of periodontal diseases, and the practice of proper teeth brushing frequency. Twenty-four of 35 participants (68.57%) in this study know the possible relationship between periodontal diseases and negative pregnancy outcomes. However, knowledge and awareness regarding the type of periodontal diseases and practice of proper frequency of teeth brushing was lower (40% and 34.29%, respectively). This study suggested comprehensive education and counseling regarding oral and periodontal health should be considered for all women residing in rural area, despite their demographic characteristics.

Association of Oral Health Literacy Level and Periodontal Health Status: A Contributory Step Towards Prevention of Periodontal Diseases

OBJECTIVE: To Evaluate the level of oral health literacy (OHL) among new patients seeking care at the private teaching dental hospital. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Oral Diagnosis & Periodontology at Private Teaching Dental Hospital. Adults (>18years) was recruited in the study using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Participants verbally consented to participate, then interview based validated questionnaire was administered. Data collected from April 2019 to August 2019. The study was approved by Scientific Review Committee of Private Teaching Dental Hospital. OHL was measured by REALD-20. Clinical assessment was performed using periodontal index. Two investigators and 2 house surgeons were trained for increasing inter-examiner reliability. Demographic variables were examined as exploratory covariates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.Fisher’s exact test used to determine bivariate association and Multivariate regression analysis showed the relationship. RESULTS: The total sample size was n=236 out of which 100 (42.6%) were male and 136 (57.6%) were female. Mean age of the sample was 36 years (±13.6) and majority 150(64%) had 12 years of education completed. Smokers were 50 (21%) were smokers. Respondents 173(73.3%) brush at least once in a day and 93% used toothpaste as dentifrice. Respondents belong to low-OHL had moderate 84 (36%) and severe periodontal 72 (31%) diseases. The mean Periodontal Index Score: 2± 0.54. OHL was significantly associated with periodontal disease (p 0.01). Smokers showing significant association (p 0.04) with periodontal disease. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that for one- point decrease in OHL score, the occurrence of periodontal disease reduced by 25% (Adjusted OR=0.75). CONCLUSION:This has been concluded that oral health literacy associated with periodontal health status. Understanding of periodontal health knowledge and its implication is vital for prevention of periodontal diseases. Future intervention researches are required to develop etiological relationship between oral health literacy and periodontal health status. KEYWORDS: Periodontal disease, dental oral health, smokes adults

The effects of oral health education regarding periodontal health on non-dental undergraduates in southwestern China\u2014exploring the feasibility of an e-learning course for oral health promotion

BackgroundThe high prevalence of periodontal diseases is an important oral health problem worldwide. It is necessary to increase public knowledge on and influence attitudes towards periodontal diseases in order to prevent them. However, the effect of oral health education (OHE) as a primary preventive method in China is unsatisfactory. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of extending an e-learning course regarding periodontal health by comparing the effects of oral health education regarding periodontal health (OHE-PH) on dental and non-dental students and the effects between a traditional course and an e-learning course among non-dental students at Sichuan University.MethodsA quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and a post-test was performed. A total of 217 dental students and 134 non-dental students attended a traditional course; 69 non-dental students attended an e-learning course. Before- and after-course questionnaires about periodontal health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours were administered.ResultsAfter the traditional/e-learning course, the knowledge of both dental and non-dental students about periodontal diseases and self-reported behaviours for gingival bleeding and oral care improved. The non-dental students reached or surpassed the level of dental students before the course. The non-dental students taking the e-learning course performed better in some areas than those taking the traditional course.ConclusionsOHE-PH was effective for dental and non-dental students. The e-learning course on OHE-PH was sufficient for improving knowledge and self-reported behaviours among non-dental undergraduates and was even better than the traditional course in some areas. The e-learning course may be an effective method for periodontal health education and oral health promotion among undergraduates.

A Survey about Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Oral Health among the Students of Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Vadodara - A Comparative Study

Background: Oral health is essential for maintenance of good mental and physical health. The relationship between knowledge and better oral health has been well recorded. The aim of this study was to evaluate, assess, and compare about knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral and periodontal health in the professionals of medical, physiotherapy, and nursing. Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out among the students of Faculty of Medicine, Medical College Vadodara. Three hundred students were chosen using a simple random sampling method, and a self-constructed 15-item questionnaire about oral and periodontal health awareness was allotted to all students. Descriptive statistics such as mean, one-way analysis of variance, and post hoc test was used to compare overall oral and periodontal health awareness and knowledge among the students. Results: A considerable lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices even in health professionals were noted. Conclusions: Therefore, there is an immediate requirement for extensive educational programs to encourage good oral health and conduct various learning programs about the right oral hygiene practices even in health professionals.

Evaluation of the Knowledge and Awareness of Dental Patients in Saudi Arabia on Periodontal Health and Diseases

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the periodontal health knowledge and awareness among a cohort of dental patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: One thousand adult patients attending King Khaled University Hospital and the Dental Hospital, King Saud University, in Riyadh, KSA, were recruited to the study. The subjects completed a questionnaire that aimed to evaluate their level of awareness on etiology, risk factors, and preventive measures related to periodontal disease. Results: The study sample showed adequate awareness and general knowledge on signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases as well as risk factors for their development. Data also suggested great knowledge of oral hygiene measures for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, a low level of awareness was reported for the exact etiology of periodontal disease, as indicated by the fact that about 65% of respondents did not know or declined the fact that plaque causes periodontal disease. The participants also demonstrated a low level of awareness of the association between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions, such as coronary heart diseases and premature birth. Conclusion: The results of this study showed extensive variations and knowledge gaps between different aspects related to periodontal disease. In order for comprehensive oral health educational programs to be effective and to achieve their goals, they should be designed to fulfill these knowledge gaps and tailored to target the areas of least awareness, such as etiology and systemic conditions association.

Association Between Periodontal Health Knowledge and Oral Hygiene in Brazilian Adolescents

Objective: To evaluate the influence of oral health knowledge in adolescents’ oral hygiene pattern. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 291 participants aged between 14 and 19 years old enrolled in a public school in Curitiba, Brazil. A self-administered questionnaire containing five affirmations about periodontal diseases and their forms of prevention was arranged on a three-point Likert scale. Correct answers were given a weight=1 and incorrect ones, weight=0. The knowledge score (KS) was determined by the sum. Socioeconomic and demographic data were obtained by a questionnaire sent to those responsible. The oral hygiene pattern was evaluated through the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) by a calibrated researcher (K=0.89). Mann-Whitney U test and univariate and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance were used for data analysis ( α =0.05) . Results: There was an inversely proportional association between KS and OHI-S (p=0.018). The multiple model showed that adolescents with a lower KS (PR = 0.93, CI95%: 0.88-0.99), male gender (PR = 1.17, CI95%: 1.01-1.37) and whose caregivers presented a lower level of education (PR=1.30, CI95%: 1.03-1.64) showed a higher index of dental plaque . Conclusion: The level of oral health knowledge, the gender and the caregivers’ level of education influences the adolescents’ oral hygiene pattern.

Dental caries, missing teeth, and oral health behavior among smokers

Objective: To determine dental caries, missing teeth, and oral health behavior among smokers and to correlate same with nicotine dependence. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out among smokers and age-matched nonsmokers in Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria. Nicotine dependence, periodontal knowledge, subjectively rated periodontal status, and oral self-care were assessed with questionnaire while carious, missing, and filled teeth were recorded during oral examination. Results: The mean periodontal health knowledge was 1.65 for smokers and 2.75 for nonsmokers. The mean subjectively rated periodontal status was 4.25 for smokers and 3.40 for nonsmokers. The mean oral health behavior was 9.05 for smokers and 10.50 for nonsmokers. The mean carious teeth was 2.10 for smokers and was 1.00 for nonsmokers. Nicotine addiction was negative correlated with periodontal knowledge, oral behavior, carious teeth, filled teeth, and abrasion teeth but positively correlated with subjectively rated periodontal status and missing teeth. Conclusion: Smokers had lower periodontal knowledge, poorer subjectively rated periodontal health, poorer oral self-care behavior and more carious teeth than nonsmokers. Further studies to include smokers with high nicotine dependence are recommended.

Regular dental attendance and periodontal health knowledge: A cross-sectional survey.

To explore dental clinics' performance on periodontal education by comparing knowledge about periodontal health of regular and inconsistent dental attenders. A population-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Galicia (Northwestern Spain). Participants were randomly selected from 16 different areas and a questionnaire applied face-to-face. The survey included items on socio-demographic features, habits and routines, periodontal status and periodontal health knowledge. Participants were grouped according to the median of overall knowledge, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between good periodontal knowledge and frequency of dental visits. A total of 8,206 individuals were invited to enter the study, and 3,553 of them accepted the invitation (43.3%). Most participants (59.3%; n=1,945) fit within the regular dental attenders' group. Younger women holding a university degree and visiting their dentist regularly elicited higher knowledge about periodontal health. Regular use of dental services increased the chances of being in the higher knowledge group (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.40-2.00). Reported regular dental attendance is related to periodontal health knowledge. Specific interventions for promoting tailored patient education on periodontal topics during routine dental visits may have a positive effect on laypersons' knowledge about periodontal health.

Periodontal health: A national cross‐sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices for the public oral health strategy in China

To assess the status of periodontal health knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among Chinese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of adults (N=50,991) aged 20years or older from ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Percentages of Chinese adults with correct periodontal knowledge, positive periodontal attitudes, and practices were estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the related factors. Less than 20% of Chinese adults were knowledgeable about periodontal disease. Very few (2.6%) of Chinese adults use dental floss ≥once a day and undergo scaling ≥once a year and visit a dentist (6.4%) in the case of gingival bleeding. Periodontal health KAP was associated with gender, age, body mass index, marital status, place of residence, education level, income, smoking status, and history of periodontal disease. Periodontal health KAP are generally poor among the Chinese adult population. Community-based health strategies to improve periodontal health KAP need to be implemented. Increasing knowledge of periodontal disease, the cultivation of correct practices in response to gingival bleeding, and the development of good habits concerning the use of dental floss and regular scaling should be public oral health priorities.

The Healthy Eating Plate and periodontal health knowledge in undergraduate students of Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Padjadjaran

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease that attacks periodontal tissue caused by bacterial plaque and calculus, and also nutritional deficiency. Applying a healthy dietary habit will be able to prevent the occurrence of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to discovered description of the Healthy Eating Plate habit and periodontal health knowledge in undergraduate students of Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Padjadjaran. Method: This research was quantitative with two questionnaire instruments; the first contained the food variety and the proportion consumed by respondents, and the second contained questions regarding the periodontal health. The samples were as much as 137 undergraduate students of Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Padjadjaran batch 2015, taken with an accidental random sampling technique. Results: The nutritional proportion of all respondents were as follows: at breakfast, 27.5% of carbohydrate, 25.1% of protein, 24.3% of vegetables, and 23.4% of fruits; at lunch, 29.1% of protein, 27.1% of carbohydrates, 19.8% of vegetables, and 24.4% of fruits; at dinner, 27% of protein, 23% of carbohydrate, 20.9% of vegetables, and 20.1% of fruits. The level of periodontal knowledge was 68.94%. Conclusion: The respondent's dietary habit was close enough to the indicators of the Healthy Eating Plate, with a moderate level of periodontal health knowledge.

Periodontal health knowledge and awareness among subjects with fixed orthodontic appliance.

Objective: To report on periodontal health knowledge and awareness among orthodontic patients and to investigate the effect of age, attitude and duration of orthodontic treatment on periodontal health awareness among orthodontic patients. Methods: A total of 297 orthodontics patient (90 males, 207 females) with mean age of 17.7 ± 5.0 years (older then 18 years = 119, 18 years or younger = 178) were included in this study. Subjects were currently wearing upper and lower fixed orthodontic appliances for an mean period of 12.55 ± 10.86 months (less than or equal to 18 months = 231, more than 18 months = 66). Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire (demographic characteristics, subjects’ awareness toward their periodontal health, periodontal knowledge among orthodontic patient and patients’ attitude toward orthodontic treatment regarding periodontal health) and clinical periodontal examination. Results: Periodontal knowledge was poor among orthodontic patients in relation to dental plaque. Only 24 subjects (8%) correctly answered knowledge-related questions. Adult orthodontic patients reported negative attitude toward fixed orthodontic treatment in respect to periodontal health (p<0.001). Duration of orthodontic treatment negatively affected subjects’ attitude toward fixed orthodontic treatment (p<0.01). The majority of subjects were in the high level of awareness group (64%). Orthodontic patients’ awareness toward their periodontal health during fixed orthodontic treatment was affected by attitude scores (p=0.005), number of teeth with gingival recession (p=0.041), Gingival Index (p=0.000), duration of treatment (p=0.047) and age (p=0.008). Conclusions: Periodontal health knowledge among orthodontic patients was poor. Orthodontic patients’ awareness of their periodontal health was moderate and was affected by age, attitude and duration of orthodontic treatment.

Oral health knowledge of periodontal disease among final year non-dental students of IIUM Kuantan Campus

Introduction: To determine the levels of oral health knowledge of periodontal disease and its determinants among final year non-dental students of IIUM Kuantan Campus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 final year non-dental students from five different kulliyyah using a validated structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of items to assess participants’ demographic and socioeconomic variables, dental health education, periodontal disease knowledge, and oral hygiene practice. The relationship between levels of knowledge with the socioeconomic background, oral hygiene practice, and dental health education were analyzed using Chi-square Test and One-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis was based on probability values of less than 0.05 (p&lt;0.05). Results: 70.4% (200/284) of the participants were female and 29.6% (84/284) were male with mean age 23.5. Limited knowledge was seen more in non-medical students than medical students significantly (p&lt;0.05) in periodontal disease factors (43.8% vs 21.8%), relationship with systemic disease (50.5% vs 29.6%), signs (28.6% vs 11.7%), symptoms (23.8% vs 10.1%), and prevention (26.7% vs 12.3%) whereas causes (34.3% vs 32.4%) and treatment (62.9% vs 58.1%) were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). Therefore, medical students had higher knowledge of periodontal disease (p&lt;0.05) than those from non-medical students (26.8% vs 16.2%). There were no relationships between knowledge levels with other determinants. Conclusions: There were significant differences in level of periodontal disease knowledge except causes and treatment between medical and non-medical students. Thus, periodontal health knowledge education promotion should be emphasized among non-medical students. Further study should be carried out to improve oral hygiene practices among students.

Periodontal health knowledge of nonmedical professionals and their oral hygiene behavior in a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Abstract Background: The awareness of periodontal diseases is generally poor among Nigerians. Working within the hospital environment should give an edge to nonmedical professionals, who could help to promote periodontal health awareness in countries with an inadequate number of dental health professionals. This study aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge of periodontal diseases and oral hygiene behavior of nonmedical professionals within a hospital setting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 302 nonmedical professionals in a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Pretested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection on sociodemography, number of years of work experience in the hospital, work cadre, awareness and knowledge of periodontal diseases, oral self-care and dental attendance pattern. Results: The awareness of periodontal disease was relatively high (60.2%) in the nonmedical professionals. However, only 29.8% had adequate knowledge of periodontal diseases. Their knowledge was significantly associated with male gender (P = 0.042), higher education (P = 0.006) and nonYoruba ethnicity (P = 0.015). Their duration of work within the hospital premises did not significantly affect their periodontal health knowledge. Less than half (42.7%) practiced twice or more daily brushing while only 11.9% used interdental floss for interproximal plaque removal. Their dental attendance pattern was mostly (83.5%) problem-oriented rather than preventive. Conclusion: The nonmedical professionals had fairly high awareness but inadequate periodontal health knowledge and oral hygiene practices. These findings may make their role as oral health promoters a questionable one, unless, this is addressed urgently.

Diabetes and periodontal health knowledge and awareness among diabetic patients – a uni-centred study in western Saudi Arabia

Introduction: A considerable body of research has found a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. In Saudi Arabia, reports indicate that diabetes mellitus is a major health problem with a prevalence of 23.7% among Saudi adults. Despite these recognized high rates of diabetes mellitus among the Saudi population, little is known about the periodontal disease and diabetes-related knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Objective: To examine what patients with diabetes mellitus know about the condition and its association with periodontal disease, and also to examine their sources of diabetes-related information. Materials and methods: Patients (n =454) with diabetes mellitus who were receiving care at the Diabetes Clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry Hospital, King Abdulaziz University. The study was conducted from October 2013 to February 2014. The data were collected by interviewing the participants. A structured questionnaire was designed and developed based on a thorough literature review. The questionnaire provided demographic information, relevant health-related activities, diabetes mellitus knowledge and sources of diabetes-related information. The data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Although respondents asserted various diabetes-related information sources, including family, friends and health care providers, respondents demonstrated very limited knowledge about diabetes mellitus and its association with periodontal disease. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia need to be educated with comprehensive and accurate information about the periodontal disease– diabetes mellitus inter-relationship to best maintain their health. Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Professor Mona Hassan, for her help with data analysis and to thank the Diabetes Clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital for facilitating the implementation of this study.

Evaluation of Periodontal Health Knowledge, Attitude and Oral Hygiene Practice of Pregnant Women in Yazd in 2011

Background and aims. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response in periodontal tissues, which results in tissue destruction, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Periodontal disease has the potential to affect pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess periodontal health knowledge, atti- tude, and practice of pregnant women in relation to the association between periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes in Yazd, Iran in 2011. Materials and methods. A total of 149 pregnant women in different stages of pregnancy were randomly selected. A 23-item questionnaire was designed by authors to asses periodontal health knowledge, attitude and oral hygiene practice of pregnant women. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, chi-squared test and Pearson's correlation coefficient using SPSS statis- tical package. Results. The results showed that 48.3% of women had moderate knowledge, 85.9% had moderate attitude and the major- ity of the women (49%) practiced oral hygiene in a moderate level. Among all the participants only 7.9% had been referred by gynecologists to dentists. Conclusion. According to the results of this study the mean scores of periodontal health knowledge, attitude and oral hygiene practice were at moderate level.