Periodontal awareness and knowledge,and pattern of dental attendance among adults in Jordan

AIMS: To provide baseline data on periodontal awareness and health knowledge, and to assess patterns of dental attendance behaviours among 20 to 60 year-old Jordanian adults. METHODS: A questionnaire incorporating items related to personal and socio-demographic data, periodontal awareness and health knowledge, and self-reported dental attendance behaviours. One-thousand questionnaires were distributed among adults attending dental clinics. RESULTS: 743 questionnaires were completed and statistically analysed. About one-quarter of adults reported 'gum bleeding' on brushing, but more subjects (40.4%) believed that they had periodontal disease. Also, 47% of the participants thought that they had a 'rough tooth surface', 16% had 'gum irritation' and 25% had 'bad breath'. There were no statistically significant differences between genders with regard to responses on periodontal awareness (P >0.05). The majority of adults incorrectly defined the meaning of dental plaque and did not know its role in the aetiology of gingival disease. Conversely, the majority of participants (60.8%) were aware that gingival bleeding upon brushing indicated the presence of periodontal disease that can be prevented by brushing and flossing (63.4%), mainly before going to bed (73.9%). The overwhelming majority of subjects (81.4%) were irregular attenders. 'Treatment not necessary' and 'cost' were found to be the common barriers for regular dental attendance. The most common treatment received by the subjects at their last visit was restorative therapy. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and awareness concerning periodontal disease is still poor in Jordan, therefore, more dental health education is needed to improve oral health.