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Perception of gingival bleeding by Nigerians.
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Many people underestimate gum bleeding, unaware it signals serious periodontal disease. This study highlights the urgent need for public and patient education on this critical oral health indicator.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Gingival bleeding is a common oral health issue.
- Patient perception of gingival bleeding is often inaccurate.
- Underestimation of gingival bleeding can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perception of gingival bleeding among subjects.
- To correlate perceived gingival bleeding with actual periodontal status, sex, and age.
- To highlight the lack of awareness regarding gingival bleeding as a sign of underlying pathology.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 275 subjects was conducted.
- Subjects' perception of gingival bleeding was assessed.
- Clinical oral examinations were performed to determine periodontal status.
- Data on gingival bleeding perception was analyzed in relation to periodontal status, sex, and age.
Main Results:
- Only 25% of subjects reported gingival bleeding during routine oral prophylaxis.
- Despite self-reporting low incidence, clinical examination revealed all subjects had gingival bleeding.
- A significant portion of subjects who experienced bleeding considered it normal.
- Perception of gingival bleeding did not strongly correlate with sex or age in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant deficit in the public's perception of gingival bleeding.
- Gingival bleeding is often disregarded as a symptom of periodontal disease.
- Poor awareness of gingival bleeding as an indicator of tooth-supporting structure pathology necessitates public health education initiatives.