PATIENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PERIODONTAL DISEASES

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate patients’ knowledge of the periodontium and its diseases at the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Institute of Dentistry and to compare these data with sociodemographic and clinical indicators.
Methods. From February 20 to October 10, 2025, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adults receiving periodontal treatment at the Institute of Dentistry. Participation was confirmed by verbal and written informed consent. The sample comprised 385 respondents who completed anonymous questionnaires consisting of 30 questions. Clinical data were collected during the examination. The data were analyzed using statistical software IBM SPSS, Microsoft Excel, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results. The study included 385 respondents, of whom 175 (45.5proc.) were women and 210 (54.5proc.) were men. Questionnaires were completed in Lithuanian by 305 participants (79.2proc.) and in English by 80 (20.8proc.). The results showed that patients’ knowledge about the periodontium and periodontal diseases is insufficient. Participants with low knowledge were significantly more likely to be aged 60+ (p<0.001), economically inactive (p<0.001), and have low–medium education (p<0.01). The proportion of respondents from small towns and rural areas was also significantly higher in low knowledge group (p<0.001). They also had poor oral hygiene (p<0.001), and were diagnosed with generalized periodontitis (p<0.001).
Conclusions. Patients attending the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Institute of Dentistry demonstrated insufficient knowledge of periodontal health. Educational programs should focus on improving periodontal health literacy and promoting effective oral hygiene habits. Such preventive initiatives are particularly relevant for older adults, individuals with lower education levels, economically inactive patients, and those living in towns or rural areas.