Oral health knowledge and behaviour among patient in supportive periodontal care in Sarawak

Abstract

After completing the active phase of periodontal therapy, supportive periodontal care is required to maintain periodontal health. Patient knowledge and awareness are key to periodontal therapy's success, and the study aims to provide baseline data among supportive periodontal care patients in Sarawak. Questionnaires were distributed among patients at two periodontal clinics. Out of 80 responses, 31.3% of respondents believed they had a good-excellent level of periodontal health. 41.3% felt satisfied with their current periodontal condition. 81.3% understood what dental plaque was, 92.5% knew its role in the aetiology of gingival disease, and 93.8% knew it can be controlled with good oral hygiene care. 91.3% of them were aware that; gingival bleeding indicated the presence of periodontal disease, the disease can cause mobile teeth if untreated, and it can be prevented by having regular maintenance. Only 45% were aware that the disease is not 'curable.' Concerning behaviour, 98.8% brushed teeth at least twice daily and used dental floss (43.7%), interdental brush (65%), and mouthwash (52.5%). In the case of gingival bleeding, 70% will continue brushing their teeth, and 36.3% will only use a mouth rinse. 37.5% will attend the appointment if pain arises, and 38.8% believed that a general dentist can sufficiently provide supportive periodontal care. In conclusion, there was inadequate knowledge of periodontitis's curative nature and a lack of understanding of the importance of specialist care's regular follow-up. It is important to reinforce oral health education at SPC.