J M A Farsi1, M M Farghaly, N Farsi. 1. Department of Oral Basic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80209, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. jamila_farsi@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to periodontal health status among Saudi intermediate and high school students living in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A dental health questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of a total of 2586 Saudi students from intermediate and high school, aged 12-18 years residing in Jeddah. RESULTS: While about 87.1% knew that tooth brush helps prevent periodontal disease, only 33.1% knew that using dental floss helps in preventing periodontal disease. Females used brushing and flossing more than males, while males used miswak more than females. Tooth brushing (P<0.001) and dental floss (P<0.015) were used more frequently among private subjects, while miswak was utilized more frequently among governmental school students (P<0.005). Dental pain was found to be the main reason for visiting the dentist among the target group. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that knowledge, attitude, and behaviour concerning periodontal health among young Saudi school students living in Jeddah city are in need of improvement.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to periodontal health status among Saudi intermediate and high school students living in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A dental health questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of a total of 2586 Saudi students from intermediate and high school, aged 12-18 years residing in Jeddah. RESULTS: While about 87.1% knew that tooth brush helps prevent periodontal disease, only 33.1% knew that using dental floss helps in preventing periodontal disease. Females used brushing and flossing more than males, while males used miswak more than females. Tooth brushing (P<0.001) and dental floss (P<0.015) were used more frequently among private subjects, while miswak was utilized more frequently among governmental school students (P<0.005). Dental pain was found to be the main reason for visiting the dentist among the target group. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that knowledge, attitude, and behaviour concerning periodontal health among young Saudi school students living in Jeddah city are in need of improvement.