A Pilot Study on Oral Health Literacy and Periodontal Health

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between functional oral health literacy (OHL) and periodontal disease as defined by the American Academy of Periodontology classification system. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on dental patients presenting to the Open Door Health Center in Mankato, MN. Oral health literacy was measured by using the Oral Health Literacy Adults Questionnaire (OHL-AQ). Periodontal health was measured by conducting a periodontal health assessment, using the new 2017 American Academy of Periodontology classification system (AAP). Additional demographic and health related information was collected. Results: This study found an association between oral health literacy and periodontal disease that was statistically significant. Smoking was found to be associated with periodontal disease staging and grading, and diabetes was found to be associated with the grading of gum disease. No associations were found between periodontal health and age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, insurance, or country of origin. Conclusion: This study found a statistically significant relationship between functional oral health literacy and periodontal health. In addition, participants who smoked were more likely to have periodontal disease and have more advanced staging and grading of the disease and those with diabetes were more likely to have advanced grading of periodontal disease. A larger study is needed to confirm the findings of this pilot study.