The Effect of Health Education on Awareness and Performance of Patients with Periodontitis and Gingivitis

Abstract

Introduction:

Oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases are very common and not only have physical, but also economic, social and psychological consequences. Periodontal diseases are the main cause of tooth loss and as a result of a public health problem. Children, adolescents and adults are affected. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of health education on the level of awareness and performance of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis.

Materials and methods:

 In this clinical trial study, 196 people with periodontitis and gingivitis were randomly divided into two groups of 98 subjects. Patients were evaluated for plaque index and depth of pocket. Questionnaires were provided to both groups. In both groups, non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planning) was performed, but oral health education was done only in the intervention group. Oral health education, brushing in the standard Bass method, and the correct use of dental floss twice a day. The results were analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square, t-test and linear multivariate test.

Results:
The pre-test results did not show a significant difference in the demographic and baseline data of the participants in the two groups. There was no significant difference in the awareness, performance, plaque index and depth of pocket before the beginning of the study. There was a significant difference between the two groups after intervention (p <0.001).

Conclusion:
Regarding the results of this study, it can be concluded that health education and educational programs have led to improvement of oral health behaviors and decreasing plaque and depth of pocket in persons