Assessment of the relationship of oral hygiene habits and sociodemographic status with the periodontal health of patients attending the faculty of dentistry

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the relationship of oral hygiene habits and sociodemographic status with the periodontal health of patients who attended the faculty of dentistry, using personal information and clinical examinations.
METHODS: A total of 1002 patients (age ranging from 18 to 69 with a mean age: 38±13.3) were included in this study. Individual characteristics, smoking and oral hygiene habits, and systemic and dental histories were recorded. Plaque and calculus index, the presence of bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss and pocket depth parameters were recorded as clinical data. After patients’ data were recorded, the relation of these parameters to attachment loss, pocket depth, prevalence of periodontal disease and BOP was determined.
RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-nine of the patients were diagnosed with periodontitis and prevalence was significantly higher among males (45%) (p < 0.05). The percentage with periodontitis was significantly lower in individuals aged 18–39 (28.4%) compared to individuals aged 60 and over (64.8%) (p < 0.05). Periodontitis was diagnosed in 62.2% of those who did not brush their teeth. The percentage with periodontitis reached a peak of 52.9% among heavy smokers (p < 0.05). Mean attachment loss and probing depth increased significantly with age (p < 0.05). The prevalence of BOP was lower among university graduates and those who used dental floss (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Demographic characteristics, smoking and dental behaviours are associated with periodontal health. Improving sociodemographic status, preventive education and therapeutic services can be a way to improve oral health.