Patient awareness of oral health and periodontal disease before and after comprehensive periodontal treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal disease (PD), a major health problem, reportedly affects a large percentage of the adult population with multifactorial etiology including awareness and practices from family and/or their treating physician. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the patient's oral health as well as PD awareness before and after comprehensive periodontal treatment registered at the Outpatient Department of Batterjee Medical College. Materials and Methods: The present cohort study was conducted on 120 adult patients, selectively undergoing comprehensive clinical care by the dental students of the final 2 clinical years (D4 and D5, respectively) and interns (D6) with a self-answered questionnaire. Results and Discussion: Among the majority (92%, n = 113), the usage of toothbrush and toothpaste was common before treatment like the previous studies. In addition, there was an increase in the knowledge of the word dental plaque and calculus, where the majority believed calculus to be the causative factor of PD. It was noticed that there was very little difference in the knowledge being given regarding systemic association to their oral health. Postoperatively, 70% of the patients believed that they should visit the dentist annually or biannually, but a larger percentage across all groups (them) believed that dental visits are need based. Moreover, awareness increased postoperatively in patients. As a result, the majority of them acknowledged the deleterious effects of smoking. Conclusion: A change in the patient's attitude and behavior toward oral health is achieved in a coalition with the practitioner's professionalism, empathy, and delivery of oral hygiene advice.