Periodontal condition and its relationship to knowledge and behavior among young Saudi students

Abstract EN

Purpose : The aim of this cross-sectional study was to report on the knowledge and behavior surrounding oral condition among young Saudi students and to relate this to periodontal status.

Materials & Methods : A representative sample of 3090 Saudi intermediate and high school and university students residing in Jeddah between the ages of eleven and twenty-four were randomly selected.

Knowledge and behavior of students with regard to oral health were assessed with a dental health questionnaire.

Standardized clinical examinations of periodontal conditions were carried out by trained examiners using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).

Results : Less than half of the subjects were aware that periodontal disease may cause bone loss.

Only 23.5 % of males knew that calculus cannot be removed by brushing.

Females were consistently found to have greater knowledge about oral health than males.

Only 16 % of these students had a CPITN score of 0 (no treatment need).

Students who used only miswak had the highest percentage of CPITN score of 2 (calculus and shallow pockets).

The frequencies of toothbrush or dental floss use were associated positively with less need for periodontal treatment, but no association was found between the frequency of miswak use and periodontal condition.

Preventive periodontal knowledge and habits should be reinforced through relevant oral health projects.

Conclusion : This study revealed gender differences in various issues.

Females scored more favorably in knowledge and behaviors.

There was a significant association between the periodontal treatment needs and the use of oral hygiene aids.