AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF ORAL HYGIENE PROTOCOLS AND PERIODONTAL HEALTH AMONG ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS

Authors

  • Hussain Y.A. Marghalani, Maryiam Lary, Lulu Munshi, Ghalia Sabir, Abdulmajeed Alqazlan, Rahaf Alharbi, Faris Alqazlan, Lujain Sharqawi, Yara Kazkaz, Fatima Alziyad, Khamis T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, particularly with fixed orthodontic applience can be a challenge for most patients. Such appliances often create physical barriers that make it difficult to remove plaque effectively, which can lead to increased plaque buildup and a higher risk of periodontal diseases. Past studies have shown a clear link between orthodontic treatment and various periodontal issues, highlighting the need for diligent oral care during treatment.

Objectives: This study aims to understand how much orthodontic patients in the western province of Saudi Arabia know about oral hygiene and periodontal health. We want to see if there are differences in awareness and knowledge based on factors like age, gender, and how long the patients have had their braces.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was used to gather data from orthodontic patients. The participants were divided into two age groups: those under 18 and those 18 and older. Also observing the duration of wearing orthodontic applience, grouping them into those who had braces for less than six months and those who had them for more than six months. The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge of periodontal disease, awareness of periodontal health, and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment. We used a structured scoring system to evaluate the responses and analyzed the data with SPSS software.

This study was evaluating the awareness and knowledge of oral hygiene protocols and periodontal health among 406 orthodontic patients. The average participant age was 28, with a notable 67.5% being female and a majority holding a bachelor's degree. While 92.9% brushed daily, only 41.6% accurately identified dental plaque as soft deposits, pointing to a significant knowledge gap regarding periodontal issues. Alarmingly, 63.1% reported no plaque presence despite indicators of gum disease, such as bad breath and tooth mobility, affecting many. A strong positive attitude towards oral hygiene was noted, yet only 11.1% demonstrated high awareness, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.

Conclusion:

The present study provides valuable insights into the knowledge of oral hygiene protocols and periodontal health among orthodontic patients in Saudi Arabia. While the findings indicate a proactive approach to maintaining oral hygiene, significant gaps in knowledge and awareness persist.

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Published

2025-01-27

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Articles

How to Cite

AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF ORAL HYGIENE PROTOCOLS AND PERIODONTAL HEALTH AMONG ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 1364-1382. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1301