The Relationship Between The Demographic Data And Periodontal Health Awareness

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the awareness levels of the individuals about gum health, gum diseases and periodontology and to correlate these values with their demographic and socio-economic characteristics.
METHODS: This cross-sectional epidemiological study included 428 volunteers, who were asked to participate in a specially designed online survey consisting of 6 multiple choice questions through a mobile application. The questionnaire evaluated the socio-demographic, and socio-economic profiles of the participants, their educational status, whether they had any systemic diseases, and their knowledge about periodontal diseases and periodontology. In addition, the patients' perceptions of self-care were also examined. Frequency tables and Chi-square analysis were used for the statistical analysis of the data, where the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was found between gender and tooth brushing (p<0.01). While the prevalence of the habit of tooth brushing at least once a day was 92% in women, this rate was 83.4% for men.There was no statistically significant association between the number of dentist visits and gender, education, or income levels (p>0.05). Although this study demonstrates the presence of basic awareness of oral hygiene in the population with higher education and income levels; the knowledge regarding oral hygiene is still limited in the general population.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Comprehensive training programs are needed to improve dental and gum health. Our results also show that it is necessary to ensure that the general population including individuals with higher education and income levels participate in these programs.