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Dental patients'knowledge and beliefs about periodontal disease
Author(s) -
Bader James D.,
Rozier R. Gary,
McFall Walter T.,
Ramsey Diane L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1989.tb00588.x
Subject(s) - medicine , periodontal disease , disease , dentistry , oral health , family medicine
The knowledge and beliefs about periodontal disease of 1093 regularly attending patients in 36 North Carolina general dental practices were examined. Patients had a strong positive orientation toward keeping their teeth. Correct information concerning the signs, causes, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease was widely held. Older patients were more knowledgeable about treatment and signs of periodontal disease, while younger patients expressed more positive beliefs about keeping their teeth for a lifetime. Although patients’knowledge was not perfect, it included few misperceptions that could threaten oral health. Additional education was most needed with respect to the significance of bleeding gums