Catalina Iulia Saveanu, Cojoc Raluca-Elena, Alexandra Ecaterina Saveanu, Daniela Anistoroaei, Maria Sophia Săveanu, Loredana Golovcencu
ABSTRACT
Aim of the study Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition frequently encountered in young individuals and often underestimated in its early stages. Adequate oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and awareness of periodontal risk factors are essential for prevention. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to periodontal disease among young adults and to analyze their association with individual periodontal risk factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2023 on 145 participants aged 18–22 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 26 closed-ended questions addressing oral hygiene practices, dental attendance, recognition of periodontal disease signs, and awareness of behavioral and systemic risk factors. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Regular dental visits were considered very important by 65.5% of participants, although only 10.3% reported very frequent attendance. Toothbrushing was regarded as extremely important by 72.0% of respondents, while 69.7% used adjunctive oral hygiene aids, but only 20.7% did so consistently. Signs of periodontal disease were very well known by 33.1% of participants. Smoking was identified as a major periodontal risk factor by 66.2%, although 32.4% were smokers. Significant associations were found between smoking and tooth mobility (p = 0.046) and between preventive behaviors and dental attendance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite generally positive attitudes, notable gaps persist in preventive behaviors and risk awareness, underscoring the need for targeted periodontal education among young adults.
DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.4.17.14
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